Melvindale Teachers Honored for Contributions to STEM Education

Two Melvindale High School teachers were recently honored for their work advancing student understanding and achievement in STEM-related areas: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Terry Laesser was recognized in the 2021 Hall of Femme Awards established by Wiley Publishing to spread awareness and give support to women in STEM. Laesser, who teaches Physical Science, AP Computer Science, and Robotics, was one of 20 women honored. Nahed Bizzari teaches Megatronics in the school's CTE Program and was recognized for her work by the College Football Playoffs Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers Program. This award seeks to elevate the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers.

Laesser has been teaching in the science field for 22 years and has been with the Melvindale-North Allen Park (MELNAP) School District for 5 years. She also coaches the high school's award-winning Robotics Team which participates in competitions. Nominated for her work to enable the future success of women in STEM, Laesser stated she enjoys being a STEM teacher. When asked what advice she had for women entering STEM, she said, "Your goals, your grit, and your determination define you-not your gender."

Bizzari has been with the MELNAP School District for 10 years. She previously taught at the university level in Kuwait before coming to the United States. The Megatronics course she teaches is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program focusing on the skills needed in the contemporary, advanced automated manufacturing industry. "It means a lot to me to be a teacher, because it was my dream from the beginning," she said. "I want the students to think outside of the box. They always hear me say, 'Squeeze your brain, squeeze your brain and try to find new ideas.'" Bizzari said she enjoys being part of the school's CTE Program because it helps students look to the future and seek out a career.

"We are the luckiest school district, I think in the state of Michigan to have stumbled across someone like Ms. Bizzari. Not only does she run our CTE and our Engineering Programs in the school, she runs a Medical Club and an Engineering Club out of the school," said Melvindale High Principal Ryan Vranesich. "She's just one to do whatever it takes for these kids to be successful and we're so fortunate we have a teacher like her here. There isn't a more deserving candidate I could ever think of to receive this recognition." Both teachers also received gift cards to use personally or for a future classroom project.