Receiving the Presidential Award in science for efforts made in the classroom by both students and myself is the highest honor. Throughout my years of teaching, I have strived to educate myself on best practices to educate the whole child and build future scientists. I am humbled and grateful to be recognized for something that I am passionate about. I look forward to continuing to grow, learn and carry on the spark that the Presidential Award has seen in me.

Regena Beard Zachary, LA | K-6, Science, 2022

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

Regena “Gena” Landry began her teaching career in 2004 in the Zachary Community School District. Her first assignment was sixth grade science at Northwestern Middle School where she taught for 10 years. She currently teaches fifth grade science and sixth grade robotics/STEM at Copper Mill Elementary where she has taught for the past 10 years. Gena believes learning occurs when students have ownership and hands-on experiences. Her teaching style revolves around inquiry learning where students create questions and solutions to problems. Students in her classroom work together in an environment that fosters scientific and collaborative thinking. Lessons include various applications of technology such as using desktop computers, LEGO robots, coding software, research websites, and digital notebooks. Gena is a mentor teacher to new teachers, has served as department chair, served on the Principal Advisory Committee, and sponsored a science club. Gena enjoys collaborating with organizations such as 4-H, Technical Education Research Centers (TERC), NOLA Code, and local leaders. Her passion for teaching is fueled through professional development – she has attended numerous National Science Teachers Association and STEM conferences, most recently the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference. Gena has a B.S. in elementary education and is enrolled at Louisiana State University–Shreveport to receive a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a STEM concentration. She holds highly qualified to teach (HQT) certification for all core subjects.

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