Lisa Houdek

St. Paul, MN | 7-12, Science, 2015

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I'm motivated by the conviction that all students deserve a rich, inclusive, and rigorous science education that inspires curiosity and confidence. Teaching in an urban school shows me the transformative power of STEM education when it is relevant, collaborative, and student-centered. Science is a tool to understand the world and empower young people to shape it. Helping students engage with complex ideas, take risks, and grow into confident learners is my honor and my motivation.

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

I have had many transformative moments! My impact is affirmed when I witness the connections my students make, the joy, curiosity and creativity they bring to the classroom, and the social, emotional and academic growth I support. I also feel transformed when I have the honor of mentoring new teachers by modeling strategies and helping them meet and resolve challenges. It is the newest teachers and our students who will have lasting impact on our future; I am fortunate to be a part of lifting them up and encouraging their development. The PAEMST Program offers acknowledgement of truly remarkable educators and I have been blessed to nominate several for the award.

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

I use my platform to demonstrate and advocate for inclusive, inquiry-based STEM education that empowers all learners. I work to elevate teacher voices, support collaboration, and share best practices for both low and high functioning students. Creativity, modeling, data-informed instruction, and a commitment to innovation is a tide that lifts all boats. Our collective future is in the hands of today's students. Solutions lie in educational changes that strengthen STEM outcomes nationwide.

Biography

Lisa Houdek has taught at Central High School in St. Paul, MN, since 2001. During her tenure, she has taught Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Physical Science, and Biology. On behalf of her underserved students, Lisa initiated and taught a SPED co-taught Physical Science course and teaches an Anatomy and Physiology elective course. All of Lisa's courses are in constant evolution based on student performance data and the open-ended feedback she solicits from students and families. Lisa holds leadership positions at Central High School and within St. Paul Public Schools. In addition to teaching, she is currently Science Department Chair, serves on Central's Site-Based Leadership Team, and is AP Registrar for over 1,800 students and 90 teachers. Her work with the AP program contributed to achieving national recognition for students’ high performance and reflects her ability to organize, coordinate, and problem-solve student and teacher resources effectively. Lisa believes that supporting teachers is as critical as supporting students to raise educational outcomes. Lisa is inspired by the process of designing and implementing inquiry-based science courses, creating inclusive curriculum, and leading interdisciplinary teams to support learning. She feels honored to be a part of her student’s lives. Lisa believes that by making class relatable, creative, and collaborative, all students can be successful. One of her favorite parts of teaching is using her classroom and creativity to offer both high- and low-achieving students a rich, welcoming experience in science. Lisa has a B.A. in Environmental Science from Northern Illinois University and an M.Ed. from the University of St. Catherine. Her licensures are Life Science, General Science and Earth and Space Science.

High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
Awardee holding Presidential certificate between Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Dr. John P. Holdren, and Assistant Director, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy.
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.