Michelle Landreville of Paradise Valley High School was the 2025 Arizona Science PAEMST (Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science) Finalist. Michelle is in her 29th year as a public school educator, with a career spanning general biology, chemistry, Earth science, and five years of AP Biology. Sixteen years ago, she began teaching Biotechnology/Bioscience, and for the past 12 years, she has taught Bioscience full time at Paradise Valley High School in the Paradise Valley Unified School District.
Michelle Landreville
Paradise Valley High School
Her love for science started early: “I was always curious about the natural world, even as a very young child. In high school, I took five science courses—just one shy of all that were offered.” Inspired by excellent teachers and a desire to help her peers, Michelle pursued a career that allows her to share that curiosity every day.
Michelle’s classroom is a hub of authentic scientific inquiry. She engages students through phenomena and driving questions, encouraging them to design experiments, test variables, and analyze results—even when experiments fail. “Students must process what happened and why. It’s a great opportunity that challenges them beyond a typical ‘cookie cutter’ lab experience.”
Michelle’s impact extends far beyond her classroom. She is a 2023–24 CDC Science Ambassador Fellow, serves as Vice President and Central Region Representative on the Arizona HOSA Board of Directors, and has advised AZ HOSA Future Health Professionals for 16 years. She also mentors educators as a Bio-Rad Explorers Fellow and Grand Canyon University educational expert, leading workshops locally, statewide, and nationally for HOSA and NABT.
Michelle was recently honored as a PAEMST finalist, a testament to her dedication and expertise. “PAEMST was especially challenging because I’m a CTE instructor and our Bioscience standards are skills-based. Through my knowledge of the AZSci Standards, I connected the rigorous content of my courses to biology standards. Being chosen as a finalist acknowledges years of commitment to improving my skill and effectiveness as a teacher and lifelong learner.”
Michelle lives by the belief: “Children do not learn by doing. They learn by thinking, discussing, and reflecting on what they have done.” Her ultimate goal? To create curious learners, critical thinkers, and scientifically literate citizens who are energized and excited about science.
SOURCE: https://app.smore.com/n/815ba-ade-science-and-stem-updates