BENSON – West Johnston High Chemistry Teacher Dr. Dorothy Holley has been named 2023-2024 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow (AEF).
Holley is one of just 16 K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the United States chosen for this prestigious fellowship program.
A 19-year veteran with Johnston County Public School Schools (JCPS), she is no stranger to accolades. Holley has had an illustrious career and was recently recognized as a 2023 semifinalist for the district’s Teacher of the Year award.
Holley will spend eleven months serving in the U.S. Congressional office in Washington, D.C., immersed in the national education arena. ”I hope to learn new skills and strategies to bring people together to advance science education in North Carolina.”
The AEF provides a unique opportunity for accomplished K-12 STEM educators to apply their extensive classroom knowledge and experiences to their host offices, inform them of federal STEM education efforts, and engage in the national STEM education arena.
At the end of the Fellowship, educators are equipped with access to a national network of education leaders and programs, as well as a better understanding of the challenges and possibilities in STEM education.
Federal agencies and U.S. Congressional Offices will benefit from fellows’ real-world experiences as educators. In return, Einstein Fellows will gain understanding of the role of the Federal Government in the U.S. education system, and knowledge of resources available to students and educators.
Holley will bring her extensive knowledge and insightful perspective about science, while collaborating on national education issues. The collaboration between Congress and the AEF recipients will produce results, not only in science, but in education as a whole, that can be applied to the classroom, or to leadership positions in school districts around the country. “I hope to learn new skills and strategies to bring people together to advance science education in North Carolina,” Holley said.
“I am so proud of her talent and her ability to model self-directed professional development that helps to create positive outcomes for students and her colleagues. West Johnston is fortunate to call her a Wildcat,” Principal Jennifer Swartz said.
Holley’s perspective exemplifies the reason why she was chosen for the AEF and JCPS Teacher of the Year. “I see this opportunity as a recognition of the amazing team of teachers at West Johnston High, and the work we are doing every day to build better citizens,” she said.
