Levi Osborne

Billings, MT | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I'm motivated by the opportunity to equip students with skills that empower their futures. As the sole teacher for CS and business, I see firsthand how STEM fosters problem-solving, creativity, and confidence. Seeing students succeed—especially in challenging areas like AP Computer Science—drives me to create rigorous, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.

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

One of the most transformative moments came when I realized that 42% of all Montana students who completed AP Computer Science A came from my classroom. Seeing students—many with no prior coding experience—gain the confidence to tackle a college-level course and pass at a rate far above the global average affirmed the power of accessible, well-structured STEM education. It reminded me that with the right support, high expectations, and a sense of belonging, students from any background can excel in computer science.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I will use my platform to stand against the erosion of science, truth, and education. I will advocate for policies that expand STEM access in rural and underfunded schools, promote computer science as a core literacy, and support teachers as professionals. A strong, informed nation depends on citizens who value reason, facts, and innovation—not division or denial.

Biography

Levi Osborne has spent all 16 years of his teaching career at Billings Central Catholic High School, where he currently teaches Introduction to Computer Science (CS) and Programming, Introduction to Game Development, Advanced Placement CS Java, Business Solutions, and Advanced Business Solutions to students in grades 10-12. At his smaller high school, Levi is the sole teacher in not one, but two, educational departments. Upon his hiring, he developed and implemented two business courses and revamped the CS curriculum with a focus on programming and computational thinking. Beyond teaching, Levi also helps students and staff at Billings Central with technology support. He was administrator of one Learning Management System (LMS) and was a member of the training team for a second LMS. Levi develops close professional relationships with his students and fellow teachers. He fosters a community of family and academic excellence at Billings Central. Over the past six years, 42% of all students in Montana that completed AP-CSA were Billings Central students. These students have passed the AP test at a rate of 82.86%, which is 14.5 points higher than the global pass rate. Levi earned a B.S. in business marketing and University Honors Degree, with distinction, from Montana State University and an M.Ed. in educational leadership from Concordia University. He is certified to teach business and CS. Levi also earned the ETS Recognition of Excellence in Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 from The Praxis Series in 2007 for scoring in the top 15% of all test takers. He was honored as the 2020 Billings Central Catholic High School Educator of the Year.

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.