The Presidential Award is an amazing recognition and I stand on the shoulders of so many people who have influenced me as a teacher, including my former teachers, teaching colleagues, administrators, and most of all, my students. One of my greatest joys is seeing students engaged as scientists and mathematicians in our classrooms and this award affirms and energizes my commitment to high quality instructional practices and student-centered educational opportunities.

Lauren Danner North Branford, CT | 7-12, Science, 2021

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Lauren Danner is served for three years as a STEM Instructional Coach for James H. Moran, Sr. Middle School and Dag Hammarskjold Middle School. Prior to becoming an instructional coach, Lauren was a Science Department Chair and taught science and Biology for 10 years at North Branford High School. As a STEM Instructional Coach, Lauren works with STEM teachers to analyze data-based student needs and teacher instructional practices to develop coaching goals. In addition to lesson modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, observation, and conferencing with teachers, Lauren provides professional development sessions to teachers within her district. Lauren began her career as a research scientist and transitioned into teaching to share her joy and passion for science with her students. Lauren is known for creating a positive classroom environment where students have the opportunity and ability to succeed as members of a scientific community. Her student-centered lessons involve activities and discourse revolving around real-world connections to scientific phenomena. Lauren routinely incorporates technology in her classroom as a strategy to increase student engagement and collaboration, while providing opportunities to assess and monitor student growth. Lauren is the 2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year and received the 2017 Connecticut Science Teachers Association Excellence in Secondary Science Teaching Award. Lauren has a B.S. in diagnostic genetic sciences from the University of Connecticut and an M.S. in secondary science education from the University of New Haven. Lauren is currently completing a sixth-year diploma in educational leadership from Quinnipiac University. She is certified in 7-12 biology and general science.

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