A Northern Lehigh science teacher has been named a recipient of two highly-esteemed awards.

Superintendent Matthew J. Link, Ed.D., recently recognized high school science teacher Gabryella Wilder for receiving two “highly meaningful professional honors this year.”

Link said Wilder received the Donald Keys Excellence in Science Teaching Award presented by the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association.

He said this award recognizes exceptional science educators who demonstrate outstanding teaching and a deep commitment to science education.

Link added that each year, only a select few educators across Pennsylvania are recognized for inspiring curiosity, fostering scientific thinking, and making a meaningful impact on students and school communities.

“So, for one of our high school teachers in Northern Lehigh High School to be recognized across the entire state for all the many high schools that there are, and all the thousands of high school teachers, for (Wilder) to receive that, it’s truly a remarkable feat,” Link said.

In addition, Link noted that Wilder also received the Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers presented by the National Science Teaching Association.

He said this award recognizes outstanding K-12 science educators within their first five years of teaching, and supports emerging educators who demonstrate exceptional promises and commitment to excellence in science instruction and student learning.

“We are very fortunate that we have a science teacher in our faculty that was recognized this year as one of the best science educators in Pennsylvania, and also in the nation,” Link said.

After the meeting, Wilder said she was “truly honored” to be nominated for and receive both the Donald Key’s Excellence in Science Teaching Award and the Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award.

“These prestigious awards recognize educators who are dedicated to advancing science education through student inquiry, growth, and engagement,” Wilder said. “Receiving them was especially meaningful to me, because I was nominated by one of my former college professors.”

Wilder said she’s been with the district for the past five years. She noted that she began her teaching career in the William Penn School District, just outside of Philadelphia, during the COVID-19 pandemic six years ago.

“Over the last three years, I have had the opportunity to serve not only as a science teacher, but also as a STEELS transition coach for Northern Lehigh as Pennsylvania implemented its new Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability standards,” she said. “These standards place a strong emphasis on student inquiry and hands-on learning, encouraging students to think critically, collaborate, and develop problem-solving skills through real-world experiences. Rather than focusing solely on memorization, STEELS promotes deeper understanding by having students actively investigate scientific phenomena, design solutions, and make connections between science and everyday life.

“As a STEELS transition coach, I have worked closely with teachers to help redesign lessons and classroom practices so students can engage more meaningfully with science content. This work has allowed me to collaborate with educators across grade levels, support the integration of engineering and environmental literacy into instruction, and help create learning experiences that better prepare students for college, careers, and informed citizenship. I believe the shift toward inquiry-based science education is incredibly valuable because it empowers students to become curious thinkers, confident problem-solvers, and lifelong learners.”