Lee Alumna Selected For Fellowship At Library Of Congress

From the Chattanoogan: Lee University alumna Lora Taylor has accepted an appointment with the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., where she will serve in the Professional Learning and Outreach Initiatives Office as part of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program.

Ms. Taylor, who earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Lee in 2020, most recently served as a STEM educator at Tyner Middle Academy in Hamilton County Schools. As an Einstein Fellow, she will contribute to national education initiatives focused on primary source instruction, supporting K–12 educators through professional development and outreach.

“This opportunity represents a meaningful extension of Lora’s dedication to innovation in education,” said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education. “Her selection reflects not only her personal achievements but also the caliber of teacher-leaders Lee seeks to prepare.”

Ms. Taylor brings to the fellowship an impressive background in science education and curriculum development. Her work has earned several accolades, including the first-place Community Research Award at the 2024 UTC Technology Symposium and a 2024 Fund for Teachers fellowship through the Ramsden Project.

Ms. Taylor is also a Glowforge Education Ambassador and active member of several national and regional STEM organizations, including the National Science Teaching Association, the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, and the Fab Foundation.
At the Library of Congress, Ms. Taylor will focus on expanding access to the institution’s collection of primary sources, helping educators across the country integrate historical documents and multimedia resources into classroom instruction.

“Being selected as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow is both an incredible honor and something I’m still trying to fully wrap my head around,” said Ms. Taylor. “It feels like recognition of the work I’ve poured into my classroom and a reflection of the belief that teachers can be powerful advocates for change. I’m incredibly grateful for AEF and for all programs that invest in teachers. Opportunities like this don’t just strengthen individual educators — they ripple out into classrooms and communities.”

Ms. Taylor said her experience at Lee — particularly through the Project Inspire teacher residency program with the Public Education Foundation — played a key role in shaping her approach to teaching.

“Project Inspire’s emphasis on community engagement and culturally responsive instruction gave me the tools to approach education with both compassion and purpose,” said Ms. Taylor. “During my residency, I learned how to build a learning environment that not only supports academic growth but also honors and respects the diverse identities and lived experiences of my students.”

Ms. Taylor said she hopes the fellowship will help her explore new ways to foster creative problem-solving and inquiry-based learning, especially by using primary sources in STEM education.

“Engaging with the Library’s collections will provide a unique opportunity to see how historical documents, artifacts and media can serve as powerful tools in STEM education,” said Ms. Taylor. “I also hope to return to the classroom with a renewed sense of curiosity and a broader understanding of how national education policy intersects with classroom practice.”

The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, places exceptional STEM educators in federal agencies and congressional offices to inform education policy and practice.

“Lora’s commitment to creativity, excellence, and student-centered learning continues to make a lasting difference,” said Dr. Estes. “We are incredibly proud to see her represent Lee University and the teaching profession on this national stage.”

For more information about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, visit https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein.

For more information about Lee’s Helen DeVos College of Education, visit https://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/education/.