UNM-Valencia’s Tammi Duncan-Teller receives National Association of Biology Teachers award

UNM-Valencia faculty member Tammi Duncan-Teller will receive the 2025 Two-Year College Biology Teacher Award from the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT).

The award recognizes a two-year college biology educator who has developed and demonstrated an innovative, hands-on approach to teaching biology and extended that commitment to the broader community.

"What brings the most joy to my teacher's heart is the confidence I see in my students' thinking and explanations from the first time I meet them in my biology course to when they complete my microbiology course," Duncan-Teller said. "No longer are they worried that a critical-thinking problem we're working on can have more than one answer. I trust that at the end of my courses, my students are confident learners who will take charge of their educational and career paths."

The primary criterion for the award is teaching excellence, though consideration is also given to scholarship, including publications or innovative techniques related to teaching strategies, curriculum design or laboratory utilization.

The award includes an NABT membership, an award plaque and a $500 honorarium sponsored by NABT and CellZone. It also brings national recognition to UNM-Valencia, highlighting the dedication of its faculty to student success.

Duncan-Teller received the award during the NABT Honors Luncheon in St. Louis, Mo., on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Founded in 1938, NABT empowers educators to provide the highest quality biology and life science education for all students and remains dedicated to the professional growth and development of educators in the field. Thousands of educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues around the world, stay informed about emerging trends and developments, and continue growing professionally.

For more information, visit nabt.org.