Anvil City Science Academy teacher Lisa Leeper is the first Nome educator to be honored as a BP Teacher of Excellence.
The program, sponsored by British oil and gas giant BP, began celebrating outstanding educators 20 years ago, with most winners hailing from the larger regions of Anchorage, Fairbanks, Mat-Su and Kenai. In 2012, BP began recognizing teachers from smaller, outlying districts, and Leeper is the first to hold the title from Nome. Over 1,000 nominations were submitted throughout the state, and Lisa received several from colleagues, parents and a student.
“I’m really excited and proud that I’ve been awarded this distinction,” she said. “I’m thankful that Mr. Hindman thought to nominate me.”
Todd Hindman, who is principal at the science academy, nominated Leeper because she’s always trying out new ideas with students of every age level. He says her dedication reaches beyond classroom learning.
“She does so much outside of school for the community. I always joke with Lisa, cause she has said in the past, ‘This year I’m gonna say no,’” said Hindman. “And I keep on telling her that the only ‘no’ she knows is ‘k-n-o-w’ because she’s constantly finding new things to do for the community.”
From teaching art at the elementary school during her prep period, to pioneering a morning gym jump rope program before classes—Lisa is always on the move. Her latest project is a Lego robotics club.
As immersed as Leeper is in the community now, moving to Nome originally held a lot of surprises.
“When I was in college, I said that I’m definitely not teaching kindergarten and I’m not teaching junior high,” she laughed. “And those are the only two jobs I’ve ever had since.”
Leeper has taught in Nome for over 15 years, most of those at Anvil City Science Academy.
“I meant to do two years here. Kind of get my Alaska adventure out of my system,” she said. “But of course being here, I loved it and I’ve stayed ever since.”
Leeper admits there are a lot of challenges when you’re a new teacher moving to a unique place like Nome. For those moving to rural Alaska for the first time, she advises that an open mind and willingness to invest in your new community makes for a better educator.
“Especially with this award I got, it makes me think a lot about the people who have helped me to do the things I needed to do as a teacher. I’ve had a lot of support from parents and volunteers and my friends,” she said. “So it really is just about networking and trying to get everyone involved, because it’s easier when we all work together.”
Recognizing that she has a limited time with each student, Leeper says she’s not afraid to push herself or her kids.
“I have high expectations for them, so when I see them achieving the things that I expect out of them, it’s just rewarding. It makes me want to keep pushing them because I see how it’s going to benefit them. I think they feel really proud of themselves when they accomplish something,” said Leeper. “That’s why you go into teaching.”
Hindman says it’s crucial to celebrate and reinforce our local teachers when they’re doing a great job, which he says hasn’t been formally done since he’s lived in Nome.
“That’s another reason why I nominated Lisa. Previous to this year there was no other means of getting recognition in the district, so I wanted to make sure that we started recognizing the quality teachers that we have here,” said Hindman.
This year, Superintendent Shawn Arnold is initiating a Teacher of the Year program to celebrate Nome’s teachers and staff. They are still seeking nominations for classified staff.
As part of Leeper’s award from BP, the science academy will receive $500, which is going toward hosting Kellen Baker—a former science academy student—as artist in residence at the end of this month.
