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Saline teacher Leanne Reeb honored with Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching
Summary
Leanne Reeb, a middle‑school science teacher and coach in Saline Area Schools, was recognized Jan. 28 by the district after receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching following a multi‑year application and vetting process.
Leanne Reeb, a middle‑school science teacher and girls’ basketball coach in Saline Area Schools, was honored Jan. 28 after she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
The award is widely described as the nation’s highest honor for K‑12 STEM teachers. Superintendent Steve Lautch, introducing the recognition, said Reeb “is one of the most unique, special, and motivating educators I’ve ever met,” and praised her lesson planning, differentiation and hands‑on instruction.
Reeb described the application as rigorous and time consuming. "I had to analyze every decision I made, every word I made," she said, noting her submission included three recorded lessons and an initial application of roughly 30–40 pages plus a later 10‑page addendum after she was named a state finalist.
The panel that recommended Reeb to national reviewers included input from a mentor who had won the award in Michigan, Reeb said. President Michael McVay described the local work that supported her application, including a science project at the Leslie Niehammer Science Preserve and a small grant of about $5,000 obtained through local philanthropies that funded signage for the preserve.
District leaders credited Reeb’s classroom work and extracurricular coaching for the recognition. "She somehow knows all her students and what they can and cannot do," Lautch said, adding that Reeb’s classroom shows “organized learning” even amid frequent hands‑on experiments.
The board held a brief photo recognition and thanked Reeb, her family and district staff for their support. Reeb said she does not teach for awards but called the honor “rewarding” because of the students and community that allowed her to try nontraditional teaching approaches.
The district did not take any formal action or vote on the award during the meeting; the recognition was ceremonial.
Leanne Reeb’s recognition was presented during the opening portion of the Jan. 28 meeting and closed with a group photograph and brief remarks from Reeb and board members.
