Laura Callahan

Omaha, NE | K-6, Science, 2010

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

In a world increasingly shaped by technology and innovation, I believe STEM education equips students with the tools they need not only to succeed, but to contribute. Teaching STEM means I get to be part of that future.

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

I’m constantly inspired by the moment a student grasps a challenging concept or realizes they can build something meaningful with their own ideas.

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

Ultimately, advancing STEM education means preparing students not just for the workforce, but for citizenship in a rapidly changing world. I want to help shape learners who are curious, capable, and driven to improve their communities through science, technology, engineering, and math.

Biography

Laura Callahan has been an educator with the Omaha Public Schools for more than 30 years. She has spent the last 5 years teaching kindergarten in the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo as part of an adopt-a-school partnership between the zoo and Bancroft Elementary. Laura referred to her classroom as an example of a one-room schoolhouse, but with an animal flair. Being the only elementary teacher on the zoo campus and located in her own building, Laura found that she had a few extra duties. Along with teaching the usual curriculum, she had the opportunity to be the lunch lady, custodian, nurse, and counselor. She noted that a big difference between her classroom and other kindergartens was that she had penguins, armadillos, or cockatiels visiting the room. An occasional peacock was known to stroll through if a door was left open. Laura has been an active member of several professional education associations and has served on a local school board. She has been a presenter at the district and regional levels on topics covering early childhood, team building, and technology. Laura has a B.A. and an M.S. in elementary education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has an M.Ed. from Lesley University. She is certified in elementary and deaf education.

High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
Awardee holding Presidential certificate between OSTP Associate Director for Science Carl Wieman and NSF Deputy Director Cora Marrett.
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.