Seneca East teacher wins state award

ATTICA — Seneca East High School science teacher Brooke Griffin has been named the 2026 Ohio Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), one of the nation's leading professional organizations for biology and life science educators. The Ohio Outstanding Biology Teacher Award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in biology instruction, innovation in the classroom, professional leadership and a commitment to advancing scientific literacy. Griffin was selected for the award from a pool of candidates across the state following a competitive review conducted by biology educators from throughout the United States. The NABT presents the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award annually to recognize educators who exemplify excellence in biology education and inspire students through innovative and effective teaching practices. Griffin teaches Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, CCP/AP Biology, CCP Marine Science, and Forensic Science at Seneca East High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University. She also serves as an adjunct instructor through Bowling Green State University. Griffin's classroom emphasizes scientific reasoning, inquiry-based learning, hands-on investigations, and real-world applications that help students connect biology to their everyday lives. A hallmark of her teaching is her use of spiraled, phenomenon-based instruction that encourages students to revisit important biological concepts throughout the year with increasing depth and complexity. Students regularly design investigations, analyze data, evaluate current scientific research, and apply their learning to authentic problems and case studies. "My goal is for students to see biology as more than a collection of facts," Griffin said. "I want them to understand how biological concepts connect to one another and to the world around them so they can use science to make informed decisions throughout their lives." Jennifer Scott, principal of Seneca East High School said of Griffin, "Brooke Griffin is truly an exemplary educator, and this prestigious recognition is a testament to her passion for the teaching profession and her unwavering dedication to students. She creates innovative, hands-on learning experiences that foster critical thinking, curiosity, and scientific exploration. Through her instruction and mentorship, Brooke has opened doors for countless students to pursue future careers in the sciences. Beyond her classroom, she serves as a respected instructional leader who continually refines her own practice while inspiring and elevating those around her. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the lasting impact she has on our students, our staff, and our entire school community," Beyond the classroom, Griffin serves as advisor to Seneca East's NABT BioClub, where students participate in science outreach activities and teach biology lessons to elementary students. She has also helped expand science opportunities for students by developing new course offerings and collaborating to create additional pathways connecting science education to real-world careers and experiences. Among her many initiatives, Griffin developed Marine Science and Forensic Science courses, expanded college-credit opportunities, and broadened access to advanced life science coursework for a wider range of students. She also organizes field experiences to Lake Erie in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and H2Ohio, providing students with opportunities to engage directly with environmental science. Griffin will be formally recognized this fall and will represent Ohio alongside other Outstanding Biology Teacher Award recipients from across the country at the National Association of Biology Teachers Professional Development Conference in Dallas, Texas, this October.