Michelle Ellis

Hunter Huss High School
Gastonia, North Carolina

Michelle Ellis is a full-time high school science teacher in North Carolina. Her 19-year classroom teaching career spans elementary, middle, and high school. Ms. Ellis is a PhD candidate at Texas Tech University. Her dissertation research is in the global and cultural competence of STEM educators. Her undergrad was elementary education, and her Master’s degree is in Education with a concentration in Science K-8. Most of her career has been in high minority or high needs schools.

She has numerous awards for excellence in science teaching, service in science education, leadership roles in science education. Recently, she received the Dogwood Award. The Dogwood Award is the highest honor that the North Carolina Department of Justice awards to NC citizens. She received the award for her distinguished service to serving diverse populations in STEM. Her current professional roles include NSTA District VI Director and NCSLA President-Elect. She is most proud of her racial equity work in STEM education. Michelle is the Creator and Lead Facilitator for the STEM Educators for Equity and Diversity (SEED) Fellowship program in North Carolina.

This NSHSS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Teaching Grant is for educators who serve in rural areas, diverse student populations, or are actively promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives in their school or greater community.