Elmbrook Middle School Teacher Laurie Horne is an Outstanding Educator

Laurie Horne, a science teacher at Wisconsin Hills Middle School in the School District of Elmbrook, was honored as a WEA Member Benefits and WEAC Outstanding Educator at the January 6 Badgers Women’s Hockey game versus Merrimack at the LaBahn Arena in Madison.

Horne is a member of the Elmbrook Education Association, a National Board Certified Teacher, and 2013 Kohl Educational Fellow.

“One of the favorite parts of my job is showing students the magic of science—things that they would never see or be able to do outside of a science classroom, at least at this age,” Horne said. “In our chemistry unit, I light the table on fire, make water ‘disappear’ using sodium polyacrylate, and make two clear liquids turn bright yellow by combining lead nitrate with potassium iodide. The wide eyes of my students as they look on with disbelief is quite a sight to behold. Some of these experiences provide the ‘hook’ so that students want to engage in the learning even more.”

Horne is a proud member of the Elmbrook Education Association. She says her union membership helps her to be a more active member of her community and supports her professional development. Horne especially appreciates the assistance WEAC offers National Board Certification candidates.

“Being a member of the EEA allows me to have a voice in my district and gives me an opportunity to support students and staff,” Horne said. “I have also taken part in the professional development opportunities that have been offered by WEAC such as the workshop for NBCT candidates.”

Horne was nominated as an Outstanding Educator by Michael Horne, a teacher at North High School in the Waukesha School District, and a member of the Education Association of Waukesha. He says Outstanding Educator is a title Horne has certainly earned.

“She has been teaching for 22 years now, a Kohl Award recipient and has been a dedicated educator working to give her students the best education for their lives,” Michael Horne said. “She also loves the badgers and the marching band.”

Do you or a Wisconsin public school employee you know deserve extra recognition as an Outstanding Educator? If so, complete this nomination form on the Wisconsin Badgers Athletic Department website. The form asks you to write a paragraph or two about what makes this educator stand out. Educators are welcome to nominate themselves.

The Outstanding Educator program is sponsored by the UW Athletic Department, WEA Member Benefits and WEAC.