Receiving the Presidential Award is an incredibly humbling honor. Through education, I have built amazing relationships, have been inspired by my students, and have experienced true joy on a daily basis. I have so much gratitude for all the students, administrators, colleagues, and mentors that have helped me throughout my career. This award validates my unwavering passion and enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and science. In addition, it fuels my drive to continue to grow and improve!

Leigh Roehm Saline, MI | 7-12, Science, 2023

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

Leigh Ann Roehm has been an educator for 21 years and has spent the last 20 years teaching seventh and eighth grade science at Saline Middle School (SMS). Currently, she teaches seventh grade science. Leigh Ann began her career teaching for one year at Grayling Middle School. Building relationships is at the center of Leigh Ann's teaching philosophy. Upon entering her classroom, her passion and enthusiasm for science is evident. Through her use of Standards Based Assessment, an atmosphere that promotes risk taking is founded on the idea that learning is a journey. Students engage in hands-on experiments, construct explanations about the real-world phenomena, and generate solutions to real-world problems. Students work in a flexible learning space equipped with technology that promotes personalized learning, collaboration, and science literacy. Leigh Ann is a leader in education at the local, state, and national level. For over a decade, she has acted as the Science Department Chair and as the School Improvement Chair at SMS. She has also been a leader in the development of STEM programs throughout the Saline Area Schools School District. Leigh Ann was chosen as a master teacher by the National Education Association and helped develop NGSS curriculum for Better Lesson. She has presented at many conferences such as Michigan Science Teachers Association and Association for Middle Level Education. Leigh Ann earned a B.S., summa cum laude, in elementary education from Northern Michigan University, an M.Ed. from Graceland College, and 30+ credits in a post-master's program from Loyola Marymount University. She holds a professional certificate to teach all subjects kindergarten through fifth grade and is certified to teach science and mathematics in grades six through eight.

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