Science Coordinator
Lisa started at AP Strategies in 2002, and she recalls that “it was a natural fit to come back to an organization such as LTF.” She says the most meaningful part of the job is the chance to work directly with teachers and be given the opportunity to explore chemistry content and skills to a greater depth than afforded by the current textbooks. The conversations and discussions seem to enhance all of our strengths. Lisa also is proud of her contributions to the “continued success of the lessons written and used with students in the classrooms.”
High standards for students lie at the core of Lisa’s educational philosophy: “It is extremely satisfying to hear the teachers discuss how they have raised the expectations for the students in their classrooms. If the Pre-AP experience is challenging and positive, perhaps more students will sit for AP science courses and ultimately continue with careers in a science field of study.” Lisa also hopes to strengthen LTF’s presence in teachers’ classrooms after they have completed a training module: “Teacher training is a great way to open the doors into the classroom,” she says. “However, with only four contact days per year (or less per presenter) there is currently not a method to support the continued implementation. I would like to see LTF expand to include the possibility of mentoring teachers in their own classrooms. It would also be great if all Pre-AP students were allowed to sit for the LTF YES assessment. Many schools offer a distinguished graduation plan and it would be exciting if districts could offer some incentive or distinguished diploma for number of Pre-AP and AP exams successfully completed.”
Lisa holds a BS and MS in Chemistry. In the 24 years she has spent in the classroom, she has taught chemistry, biology and math at the middle school, high school, and college levels. Lisa has also served as a College Board consultant, an AP Chemistry exam reader and table/question leader, a member of the Lighthouse Committee for the Vertical Team Guide for Science, and an AP Chemistry Summer Institute consultant. She has received the Southwest Regional Award for AP Chemistry.