Lisa Holt-Taylor

Milford, OH | K-6, Science, 2018

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

My passion for sparking curiosity and critical thinking drives my dedication to excellence in STEM education. Engaging, inquiry-based lessons that relate to real-world applications inspire student enthusiasm and learning. As an educator, I develop my practices to ensure they are engaging, innovative, collaborative, and inclusive. Through roles like Ohio Teacher Leadership Ambassador and SECO board member, I advocate for evidence-based practices and accessibility, so all students learn and grow.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

Receiving the 2018 PAEMST was my most transformative moment in STEM education. It validated my inquiry-based, student-centered teaching and elevated me from a classroom educator to a recognized leader. The award’s prestige opened doors to roles like Ohio Teacher Leadership Ambassador and SECO board member, where I advocate for equitable STEM education and professional development. As an EdReports reviewer, I shape national instructional materials, affirming my impact. My work with Tumble Science and the National Science Foundation reinforced my commitment to inclusive STEM education, affirming my broader impact. The PAEMST connected me with a network to drive systemic change, reinforcing my commitment to high-quality STEM education for all.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a PAEMST awardee, I advance U.S. STEM education by promoting equity and excellence. As an Ohio Teacher Leadership Ambassador and SECO board member, I advocate for policies ensuring access to quality STEM curricula. Through EdReports, I review materials to enhance engagement nationwide. By mentoring educators and championing systemic change, I empower students and strengthen the national STEM pipeline for innovation and progress.

Biography

Lisa Holt-Taylor, a 22-year educator at Boyd E. Smith Elementary, began as a school counselor, then taught second grade, and has taught third-grade science and social studies for 14 years. She ignites students’ passion for science through hands-on learning, informed by professional development in Belize, Guyana, Galapagos, Australia, Alaska, and Iceland. These experiences help her weave science inquiry, engineering, and global awareness into her lessons. To equip students for a tech-driven world, Lisa integrates engineering projects, including a published article in the NSTA's Science and Children, and presented at the NSTA conference. She delivered a talk on Galapagos travel and led a workshop on science inquiry. Lisa holds a B.S. in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University, an M.Ed. in Elementary Education (K-8) and a School Counseling certification (K-12) from Xavier University, and an M.A.T. in Biological Sciences from Miami University. She is a NASA Distinguished STEM Educator and Leader, a certified National Geographic Educator, and received Educator of the Year awards from Hixson Inc. and Clermont County Soil and Water. As a PAEMST awardee, Lisa’s impact has grown through key roles. As an Ohio Teacher Leadership Ambassador, she advocates for policies to enhance STEM education statewide. On the Science Education Council of Ohio (SECO) board, she shapes regional science education through professional development. As an EdReports reviewer, she ensures high-quality instructional materials for educators nationwide. Her work with Tumble Science Project (NSF Project) strengthens her inclusive teaching approach. The PAEMST has transformed Lisa into a recognized STEM leader, amplifying her ability to drive innovation in education across local, state, and national levels.

High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
Awardee holding Presidential certificate with National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources Assistant Director, Dr. Karen Marrongelle, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, and National Science Foundation Chief Operating Officer, Dr. F. Fleming Crim
High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.