McRae selected as Alabama’s Outstanding Biology Teacher

Leah McRae, in front, leads an experiment at a seminar at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Leah McRae, who teaches at James Clemens High School, has been selected as the 2014 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) recipient for Alabama.

Presented since 1961, this honor identifies a teacher from each U.S. state and Canada who has made valuable contributions to the profession and students. Recipients must exemplify teaching expertise, inventiveness and cooperative efforts in the school and community.

James Clemens Principal Dr. Brian Clayton said the award is deserving and James Clemens is proud to have dedicated teachers like McRae.

McRae, a National Board Certified Teacher, received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s degree from Alabama A&M University. Her teaching career spans almost 24 years — 20 at Bob Jones High School.

She also has taught at Wallace State Community College and Calvary Christian Academy. In 2013, she was named Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Tennessee Valley Air Force Association.

At James Clemens, she sponsors the Red Cross Club and coordinates the Brain Health Expo, a community event with active learning experiences that promote brain health. McRae engaged teachers from a range of disciplines to create hands-on activities.

Students and colleagues describe McRae as “passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated,” Clayton said.

“Leah McRae’s application impressed the selection committee with the breadth of her knowledge and the depth of her commitment to her students,” Madelene Loftin said. Loftin serves as Alabama OBTA director and works as biotechnology education specialist at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

The National Association of Biology Teachers will recognize McRae at its national convention in Cleveland, Ohio, in November. The Alabama Science Teachers Association will acknowledge her at its 2015 convention.

For more information, visit nabt.org.