James Clemens’ Leah McRae named top 4 finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year
MADISON – The list of 16 finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year has been narrowed to four of Alabama’s most outstanding educators. One of those is James Clemens’ own Leah McRae.
McRae is a National Board Certified Teacher who has been teaching for 27 years.
“Mrs. Leah McRae is an excellent science teacher that has worked in the City of Madison School System for many years,” said James Clemens principal, Dr. Brian Clayton. “She is a pillar in the James Clemens High School Faculty since its inception in 2012. She serves as the ‘content lead’ on science, and teaches ‘Project Lead the Way Biomedical’ teachers all over the United States. We are very proud to call her a Jet.”
When she first considered a career path, McRae remembered how rewarding her own K-12 educational experience had been. She wanted to inspire young people. Today in her classroom, she works hard to ensure all students have a clear understanding of core science theory, biotechnology, and STEM concepts.
McRae focuses on building student achievement through proven best practices and real-world learning.
“As a high school science teacher, I have the privilege to guide individuals as they seek answers, collaborate with others, test ideas, communicate their findings, and evaluate themselves,” McRae said.
McRae’s passion for teaching comes from the heart. “To be quite honest, I do not understand why everyone does not want to do my job. After all, these individuals represent the brightest and best of our society. These are our future and our hope. These individuals are our most important and treasured resources,” she said.
McRae taught at Bob Jones High School from September 1992 to May 2012. When James Clemens was built, she was one of the first teachers to come to the new school. She has taught classes such as Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Genetics, Honors Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Human Body Systems, and Medical Interventions.
McRae was selected as the 2018 Madison City Schools (MCS) Secondary Teacher of the Year. In a blog post on the MCS website in January, McRae was asked to share her thoughts about being a secondary teacher. She wrote:
“How could one possibly prepare to facilitate innovative and progressive learning for our most important individuals? The answer lies in becoming a learner oneself.
“I must pay attention. My administrators, counselors, teaching coach, and fellow teachers all have great input into what should be done in the classroom. However, I need to pay attention to those individuals who are in my classroom as I lead them on their own journey of learning. This is when the true gift of teaching is revealed. I should know my students well enough to understand their strengths and weaknesses. I must know when to challenge them and when to let them lead.
“I also have to know the direction they need to go whether it is in becoming more skilled in working with others or in managing their time or in communicating a difficult concept in an understandable form.
“All of these skills will be necessary as I prepare our most treasured resources for their future roles in our society.”
The next step for the final four is an extensive interview with the state judging committee. The 2019-2020 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced during a ceremony hosted by the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, at the RSA Plaza Terrace in Montgomery, Alabama.
