McHenry Community High School Biomedical Science Instructor Leah Pelletier is being recognized for outstanding work with an Award of Excellence as part of the annual Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year Awards.
Pelletier, assistant science division head for McHenry Community High School District 156, leads the high school’s biomedical science program, including overseeing the Medical Residency capstone course that allows students to job shadow in health care settings.
Pelletier has also been instrumental in creating a new dual credit Certified Nursing Assistant program that starts in the 2024-25 school year. The CNA program prepares students for certification to work as a nurse assistant in hospitals, medical offices and more.
About two years ago, Pelletier added a White Coat Ceremony to the biomedical program to recognize students who complete the series of biomedical courses, including the capstone Medical Residency course.
Additionally, Pelletier has been a digital literacy coach for the last six years and was previously a student council advisor for about 10 years.
District 156 leaders said Pelletier has worked hard to bring improvements to the school system, and inspires biomedical science students with her passion for health care. In her work as a digital literacy coach, she helps other colleagues make the most of technology to improve their classrooms.
“She is not only a very engaging, caring, and creative science teacher but she is a program builder and a passionate visionary,” said Carl Vallianatos, assistant superintendent for learning and innovation, in his nomination letter.
Criteria to earn the Award of Excellence includes working with colleagues to bring about positive improvements in their school community. Read more about the award program on the ISBE website.
