Susie Stevens Edens, Latta High School, Ada

2011 Oklahoma Medal of Excellence in Secondary Teaching

Susie Stevens Edens, winner of the Medal for Excellence in Secondary Teaching, teaches biology, biotechnology, anatomy and chemistry at Latta High School in Ada. Fueled by a passion for science and teaching, Edens sets high standards for herself and her students, pushing them to go beyond their perceived limits.

“One can be certain that she cares about the success of her students because she expects so much of them,” said former student Boaz Vandever, who credits Edens with helping him earn a National Merit Scholarship.

Edens said she uses a “less is more” approach to curriculum, giving students time to develop deep understandings of major scientific concepts. She peppers her teaching with inquiry-based activities, student-designed projects and technology tools to give students ownership in their learning. A 32-year teaching veteran, Edens was the first in her district to earn National Board Certification (NBC) and implemented the district’s first course in biotechnology, obtaining grants to purchase high-tech equipment for her classes. She has shared her expertise with fellow teachers as regional leader for the Rural Biotechnology Project and was among a select group of NBC teachers nationwide selected to share their teaching techniques as part of the Digital Edge Project co-sponsored by Apple Corp.

As sponsor for Academic Team and science fair competitions, Edens has guided many of her students to win state, national and international honors. She has been recognized with numerous national teaching awards, including the $25,000 Christa McAuliffe Fellowship, the U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science, and the Toyota Tapestry Award. She was one of five international finalists for the Intel Excellence in Teaching Award and was named to the All USA Teacher Team by “USA Today.”