We are thrilled to celebrate our spring honor award recipient, Megan Lilien.

Megan Lilien currently serves as an Instructional Designer for Mizzou Academy. Prior to that, she served for several years as our Division Chair for Science, Health, and P.E. In 2021, Lilien was named the winner of the Technology Innovator Award by the Science Teachers of Missouri (STOM). 

Lilien is often cited as an “an inspiration” for her energy, enthusiasm, and intelligence. Colleagues comment on her helpfulness, creativity, intelligence, professionalism, good humor, and lively conversation. She is known for prioritizing relationships with students and staff and for her willingness to explore new ideas to help others. 

Executive director Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver shares that “Megan is an exemplary educator, professional, and colleague. Whether she is teaching, coaching, or writing curriculum, she is always thinking about student support. In her time with Mizzou Academy, Megan has consistently demonstrated flexibility and eagerness to jump in and help wherever she is most needed. Megan loves learning new strategies, concepts, and programs. This is evidenced from her work and certifications across so many subject areas.”

Lilien’s work in science and health education has reached students locally and internationally. Angie Hammons, Director of Instructional Design and Curriculum, shares that Lilien has accomplished “amazing things working as an Instructional Designer. She’s been instrumental in getting the Algebra II course to completion. (Woohoo!) And during that process, there needed to be some videos edited for the course. Megan jumped in to learn video editing to make this process go quicker. She’s definitely not afraid to learn and try new things.” 

The Mizzou Academy Honor Award celebrates, appreciates, and honors the contributions of our team. The quarterly, peer-nominated award is open to all Mizzou Academy employees. Each quarter, a committee from the administrative team has the difficult task of sorting through exceptional nominations to select a single recipient. They base this decision on the nominee’s work toward our mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.

One of Lilien’s nominators said, Megan works extremely hard to make sure our curriculum is excellent” while another shared, “She’s so skilled at keeping the lessons on track and following the 5E system to enhance our students’ learning and motivation to keep going in the science courses.” Still another commented that Lilien’s “passion for seeking out new experiences and information is unmistakable and inspiring.” 

Over the years, Lilien has expanded her certifications and is currently finishing her doctoral coursework for her degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. In the fall, she will move into the dissertation phase. 

Additionally, this fall, Lilien will return to our local public schools. She has accepted a position as a high school science teacher at Hickman High School, her alma mater. Fishman-Weaver shares, “We are all grateful that Megan will continue serving students and families right here in Columbia, MO. At the same time, we will miss her energy, smarts, and compassion at Mizzou Academy.“

In addition to Lilien, this quarter we celebrate the outstanding nominees who embody the Mizzou Academy core values of inclusion, innovation, partnership, and access. Our spring Honor Award nominees included Julie Phelps (instructional designer), Amanda Barner (videography and design), Jessie Arnold (instructional specialist), and Heather Johnson-Means (instructional specialist). Congratulations and thank you to all!