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 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award, presented annually by the NABT, recognizes educators in grades 7–12 who demonstrate excellence in biology instruction, classroom innovation, professional leadership, and a commitment to advancing scientific literacy. Griffin was selected from candidates across Ohio following a competitive review conducted by biology educators from across the United States.
At Seneca East, Griffin teaches Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, College Credit Plus/AP Biology, CCP Marine Science, and Forensic Science. Her instruction centers on inquiry-based learning, hands-on investigations, scientific reasoning, and real-world applications that help students connect biological concepts to everyday life.
“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.”
A defining feature of Griffin’s teaching is spiraled, phenomenon-based instruction—an approach that revisits biological concepts throughout the year with increasing depth and complexity. Students in her courses regularly design investigations, analyze data, evaluate current scientific research, and apply their learning to authentic problems and case studies.
Beyond her classes, Griffin advises Seneca East’s NABT BioClub, in which students participate in science outreach activities and teach biology lessons to elementary students. She also developed the school’s Marine Science and Forensic Science courses, expanded college-credit opportunities, and helped create pathways connecting life science education to real-world careers. She organizes field experiences at Lake Erie in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and H2Ohio, giving students direct exposure to environmental science work.
Dr. Jennifer Scott, principal of Seneca East High School, highlighted Griffin’s impact in a statement included with the award announcement.
“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,” Scott said. “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.”
Griffin holds 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 will be formally recognized this fall at the NABT Professional Development Conference in Dallas, Texas, where she will join Outstanding Biology Teacher Award recipients from across the country. The conference runs October 29–November 1 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.
