Lauren Danner

North Branford, CT | 7-12, Science, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

One of my greatest joys is seeing students engaged as scientists through the implementation of student-centered instructional practices. STEM education is inquiry-based with real world application, providing learning opportunities that go beyond the fascinating topics covered. Working within the realm of STEM requires communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving on a routine basis, helping to develop a variety of skill sets that will benefit students within all career pathways.

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

Working with kids is the best part of teaching! Students will put a smile on your face daily and the relationships formed are truly the most rewarding aspect of teaching. Every day in the classroom you get to see their excitement as they progress as learners and you get to see the impact you are making on the lives of your students. Even years later, students will reach out to let you know how you have helped in shaping the trajectory of their career. One of my fondest moments was when a former student reached out to me while she was in college. She read a letter to me describing the impact I had on her high school experience, both academically, and personally, and how it impacted her and helped to shape her future within a STEM field.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I am excited to continue collaborating, learning, and growing with other educators around our nation in order to positively impact STEM education. For example, after attending Space Academy for Educators at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, I implemented a NASA-inspired unit to incorporate a Mars lander and rover STEM design challenge within my classroom. I loved being able to share my experiences at Space Camp with my students and spark curiosity in space exploration.

Biography

Lauren Danner is a grade 8 Science teacher at Polson Middle School in Madison, CT. Prior to her current position, Lauren was a STEM Instructional Coach for Wallingford Public Schools. As a STEM Instructional Coach, Lauren worked with STEM teachers to analyze data-based student needs and teacher instructional practices to develop coaching goals. In addition to lesson modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, observation, and conferencing with teachers, Lauren provided professional development sessions to teachers within her district. Additionally, Lauren was a Science Department Chair and Science teacher at North Branford High School for ten years. Lauren began her career as a research scientist and transitioned into teaching to share her joy and passion for science with her students. Her student-centered lessons involve activities and discourse revolving around real-world connections to scientific phenomena. Lauren’s teaching accolades include Teen.com’s 2012 National “Most Inspirational Teacher” Award, the 2016 North Branford District Teacher of the Year, the 2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, and the 2017 Connecticut Science Teachers Association Excellence in Secondary Science Teaching Award. Lauren serves as President of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council. The purpose of the Council is to recognize the excellence and commitment of professional educators, promote best practices within the profession, and annually provide funding, guidance, and resources for the Connecticut Teacher of the Year selection process and ceremony. Lauren has a B.S. in diagnostic genetic sciences from the University of Connecticut, an M.S. in secondary science education from the University of New Haven, and a sixth-year degree in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University.

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.