John F. Loehr

Senior STEM education executive with 20+ years of experience leading national nonprofit programs, large-scale education systems, and cross-sector partnerships. Proven record of driving membership growth, securing multi-million-dollar funding, and expanding equitable access to high-impact STEM and CTE-aligned programs. Expert in strategic planning, grant administration, policy implementation, and data-driven program evaluation. Trusted advisor to CEOs, boards, and public-sector leaders with deep experience scaling mission-driven organizations nationwide.

• National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)
• Budget & Finance Committee
• Nominations Committee
• Informal Learning Committee
• National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA)
• Informal Education Committee
• Advice Beyond the Classroom
• Board Member
• Association of Career and Technical Education

• Served as Co-Principal Investigator (PI, Donald Wink; University of Illinois at Chicago) and district representative on Chicago Transformation Teacher Institutes grant provided as part of the National Science Foundation Math and Science Partnership Institute grant (DUE 0928669, Total Award: $4,994,911) where I advised on course work opportunities and programs for high school science and mathematics teachers, coordinated recruitment efforts, and facilitated district participation in evaluation and research activities.
• Served as Principal Investigator on Science and Mathematics Engagement and Instruction (SaMEI) Project, a U.S. Department of Education grant (U083A090088, Total Award: $886,074) funded program, which involved the development of a thematic, integrated, standards-aligned science and mathematics program for use with entering at-risk CPS high school students. In Year One, 12 schools participated, while 4 were anticipated. In Year Two, the program was expanded to all CPS high schools as summer programming for entering freshmen as Year One program participants showed some knowledge gains over program eligible but non-participating peers.
• Served as Principal Investigator, coordinated university and museum partners supporting the content development and pilot testing of instruction and professional development delivery during month-long summer workshops, and managed participant recruitment, program records, program evaluation, and program evaluation for the Chicago Public Schools Capstone Course for Earth and Space Science Project, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) cooperative agreement (NX09AH88A, Total Award: $1,499,964) funded program, that resulted in the development of a senior-level, inquiry-oriented, standards-aligned science course focused on Space Science concepts taught through current NASA missions with actual mission data.

• National
• Association for Career and Technical Education 2022-Current
• National Science Education Leadership Association 2021-Current
• Committee Member, Informal Science, 2021-Current
• National Science Teaching Association 2009-2012, 2017-Current
• Reviewer, Conference Presentations, 2023-Current
• Committee Member, Budget & Finance, 2024-Current
• Committee Member, Nominations 2022-2025
• Committee Member, Informal Science, 2021-2023
• Committee Member, Research in Science Education, 2009-2012
• Reviewer
• School Science & Mathematics, 2001-2011
• Teachers College Record Online, 2001-2011
• State of Illinois
• Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education 2022-Current
• ACT Now Illinois STEM Guiding Team 2019-Current
• STEM Guiding Team Chair, 2025-Current
• STEM Guiding Team Member, 2019-Current
• Illinois Science Teacher Association, Regional Director 2007-2012
• Board of Education, City of Chicago
• College Board Advanced Placement Program Reviewer 2010
• Board of Directors, Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair, Inc. 2009-2011
• Outreach and Education Committee, BIO 2010 Conference 2009-2010
• Board of Directors, In Search of Genius Foundation 2007-2011
• Charter Evaluation Team Member, Office of New Schools 2007-2011
• Institutional Review Board for the Social and Behavioral Science Member 2007
• Quality Assurance Team Member, North Central Accreditation 2007
• University of Virginia
• Internal Program Reviewer, 2002-2003
• Science and Engineering of Laser Interactions with Matter (SELIM) Program Departments of Chemistry, Physics, and School of Engineering
• Program Committee Chair/Webmaster 2002
• Association for Science Teacher Education Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference
• Community
• Board of Directors, Advice Beyond the Classroom 2022-Current
• Planning Committee, Southside Irish Parade 2018-Current
• STEM Fair Advisor, St. Barnabas School 2022
• Science Fair Judge, Sutherland Elementary School 2019
• Garden Homes Fire Protection District 2005-2010, 2017-2019
• Lieutenant, 2017-2019
• President, Fire Fighters Association, 2009-2010
• Treasurer, Fire Firefighters Association, 2007-2009
• Firefighter/EMT, 2005-2010
• Education Committee, Beverly Area Planning Association 2016-2021
• Coach - Basketball, Sutherland Elementary School 2016-2019
• Guest Instructor, Sutherland Elementary School 2013-2016
• Coach, Beverly Lacrosse 2011-2023
• Coach, Ridge/Beverly Little League 2011-2013
• Firefighter, Stony Point Volunteer Fire Company 2004-2005
• Guest Teacher, Brownsville Elementary School 2003-2005
• Guest Instructor, Virginia Mathematics and Science Academy 2003
• Science Fair Judge, Charlottesville High School 2002

• Courageous Leadership: Driving Future Growth in Nonprofits; Center for Nonprofit Management, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University; Evanston, Illinois; January 29-30, 2018
• Schools and Staffing Survey Summer Seminar; National Center for Educational Statistics; Washington, DC; June 18-21, 2002
• Field Ambassadors Program; Field Museum; Chicago, Illinois; 1998-2001
• AT&T ENRICH Technology Integration Program; Wright College; Chicago, Illinois; 1997-1999
• AP Biology Summer Institute; St. Mary’s College; Norte Dame, Indiana; 1996

• Data-based Research Journal Articles:
• 1) Loehr, J. F., Almarode, J.T., Tai, R. H., & Sadler, P. M. (2012) High school and college biology: A multi-level model of the effects of high school courses on introductory course performance. Journal of Biological Education. 46(3), 165-172
• 2) Tai, R. H., Loehr, J. F., & Brigham, F. J. (2006). An exploration of the use of eye-gaze tracking to study problem solving on standardized science assessment. International Journal of Research and Method in Education. 29(2), 183 – 209.
• 3) Tai, R. H., Sadler, P. M., & Loehr, J. F. (2005). Factors influencing success in introductory college chemistry. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 42(9), 987-1012.
• Book Chapters:
• 4) Gobel, L., Pavlik, K. A., & Loehr, J. F. (2023). Digging Into Rocks & Minerals Through Science Olympiad’s MY SO Program. In F. S. Allaire & J. E. Killham, (Eds.), Teaching and Learning Online: Science for Secondary Grade Levels. (pp. 241-258). Charlotte, N.C.: Information Age Publishing.
• 5) Pavlik, K. A., Haug, S. J., Kopach, J. A., & Loehr, J. F. (2022). Getting hands on in-person and online with Science Olympiad’s ‘save the ice!’. In F. S. Allaire & J. E. Killham, (Eds.), Teaching and Learning Online: Science for Elementary Grade Levels. (pp. 181 – 195). Charlotte, N.C.: Information Age Publishing.
• 6) Tai, R. H., Sadler, P. M., & Loehr, J. F. (2006). Factors influencing college science success. In J. J. Mintzes & W. H. Leonard, (Eds.), Handbook of College Science Teaching. (pp. 359 – 367). Arlington, VA: National Science Teachers Association Press.
• Invited Reviews and Commentaries:
• 7) Loehr, J.F. & Kopach, J. (2023). 40 Years of Inspiring Students to Explore STEM: What Has Science Olympiad Learned? Connected Science Learning, 5(5). https://doi.org/10.1080/24758779.2023.12318607
• 8) Tai, R. H., Sadler, P. M., & Loehr, J. F. (2006). Influencing college chemistry success through high school chemistry teaching. The Science Education Review. 5, 123-127.
• Instructional Activity Articles:
• 9) Cherif, A., Adams, G., & Loehr, J. (2001). What on “earth” is evolution?: The geological perspective of teaching evolutionary biology effectively, American Biology Teacher, 63(8), 569-591.
• 10) Loehr, J. (2001). What’s for dinner?. In J. Mundell (Ed.), Curriculum Integrating Science, Technology, and Engaged Learning (147-155). Chicago: AT&T ENRICH.
• 11) Agustin B., Callum, J., Fedorenko C., Loehr, J., & Rogers M. (2001). The great element hunt. In J. Mundell (Ed.), Curriculum Integrating Science, Technology, and Engaged Learning (147-155). Chicago: AT&T ENRICH.
• 12) Agustin B., Callum, J., Fedorenko C., Loehr, J., & Rogers M. (2001). Biological controversies. In J. Mundell (Ed.), Curriculum Integrating Science, Technology, and Engaged Learning (147-155). Chicago: AT&T ENRICH.
• 13) Boué A., Loehr, J., Petravich R., Prieto C. C., Rohrbacher E. (2001). I’m eating what?. In J. Mundell (Ed.), Curriculum Integrating Science, Technology, and Engaged Learning. Chicago: AT&T ENRICH.
• Invited Presentations
• 1) Loehr, J. F.; Expanding Your Students’ Learning Through Science Olympiad. The Citadel’s STEM Summit. Charleston, SC, December 2018.
• 2) Loehr, J.F., Plank, L., Paulson, D., Keidel, P.; Leading the Change: Implementing Effective STEM Education Programs. LEGO Education STEM Summit, St. Louis MO, November 16, 2011.
• 3) Oladele, F., Loehr, J.F., Landry, J.; Mixed Method Professional Development in Urban Public Schools Education That Shines! Council of the Great City Schools Annual Fall Conference, Tampa FL, October 20-24, 2010.
• 4) Garik, P., Kramer, L., Sabella, M., Steinberg, R., & Loehr, J.F.; Educating Physics Teachers at Urban-Serving Institutions. Diversity in Physics Education: Preparing Teachers for the 21st Century. 2010 Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PTEC) Conference, Washington D.C., February 12, 2010.
• 5) Bartz, M. & Loehr, J. F.; Changing Focus: Using EPAS to Evaluate Student Progress. Your Call to ACTion: Addressing Wisconsin Readiness Issues. Wisconsin ACT State Organization Conference. Madison, WI. February 20, 2008.
• 6) Alters, B, Sullivan, M., Sadler, P. M., & Loehr, J. F.; Connecting Mind and Brain Research with Educational Practice: How Educational Policy Can Profit from Research. International Mind, Brain, and Education Society Conference, Fort Worth, TX. November 2, 2007.
• 7) Baptiste, F., Loehr, J., Ward, G., & Wright, S.; Designing and Using Field Trips Effectively, Museums and the Chicago Public Schools: Connecting the Formal and the Informal. Chicago Public Schools Museums in the Parks Conference, Chicago, IL. October 29, 1999.
• Peer-Reviewed Conference Presentations
• 1) Loehr, J.F.; Putting the Computers in Science with CodeHS and Science Olympiad. National Science Teaching Association 2025 Minneapolis National Conference, November 12-15, 2025.
• 2) Loehr, J.F.; Leading from the Classroom: Ways to Influence Science Education and Still Teach. National Science Teaching Association 2025 Minneapolis National Conference, November 12-15, 2025.
• 3) Loehr, J.F.; Effectively Using “Science Kits” to Achieve the NGSS. National Science Teaching Association 2025 Philadelphia National Conference, March 26-29, 2025.
• 4) Loehr, J.F.; 3 Ways STEM Competitions Help Achieve NGSS Goals. . National Science Teaching Association 2025 Philadelphia National Conference, March 26-29, 2025.
• 5) Loehr, J.F., Lindley, D., Hays, K. & Milner, L.; Bringing the World to Your Classroom: How Informal Learning Institutions Can Help. National Science Teaching Association 2025 Philadelphia National Conference, March 26-29, 2025.
• 6) Loehr, J.F., Smith, J., & Litz, L.; Leading from the Classroom: Ways to Influence Science Education and Still Teach. 2024 Denver National Conference, March 20-23, 2024.
• 7) Loehr, J.F.; Making Informal Formal: The Benefits of Museums, Science Centers, & Out of School Programs Besides Field Trips. 2024 Denver National Conference, March 20-23, 2024.
• 8) Loehr, J.F., Newman, J., & Lindley, D.; Physics Through Flight. 2023 Kansas City National Conference, October 25-28, 2023
• 9) Loehr, J.F.; Science Leadership While in the Classroom. 2023 Kansas City National Conference, October 25-28, 2023
• 10) Loehr, J.F. & Haug, S.; Elementary Science Olympiad For All –Activity Plans for K-6 Students with Disabilities. 2023 Kansas City National Conference, October 25-28, 2023
• 11) Loehr, J.F. & Lindley, D.; Physics Through Flight. 2023 Atlanta National Conference, March 22-25, 2023
• 12) Loehr, J.F.; Leadership Outside of the Classroom. 2023 Atlanta National Conference, March 22-25, 2023
• 13) Loehr, J.F.; Engaging with Your STEM Ecosystem Through After-School Programs: Lessons from Science Olympiad. 2022 Chicago Nationals Conference, July 21-23
• 14) Loehr, J. F. & Haug, S. J.; Effectively Using “Science Kits” to Achieve the NGSS. National Science Teacher Association. ENGAGE21 Virtual Conference, July 26 – 30, 2021.
• 15) Loehr, J. F. & Haug, S. J.; Effectively Using “Science Kits” to Achieve the NGSS. National Science Teacher Association. ENGAGE20 Virtual Conference, Fall 2020.
• 16) Loehr, J. F.; Using Project-Based Learning to ‘AMP-UP’ Science Instruction. National Science Teacher Association Regional Workshop. Charlotte, NC. November 30, 2019.
• 17) Loehr, J. F.; Designing Project-Based Learning to Build on Failure While Engaging All Learners. National Science Teacher Association Regional Workshop. Reno, NV. October 12, 2019.
• 18) Loehr, J. F.; Expanding Your Science Classroom Through Science Olympiad. National Science Teacher Association Regional Workshop. Reno, NV. October 12, 2019.
• 19) Loehr, J. F. & Meadows, M.; Achieving Math Standards with Science Olympiad and TI. Texas Instruments International Conference. Baltimore, MD. March 7 – 10, 2019.
• 20) Loehr, J. F.; Achieving 3-D Through Hands-On Activities: Lessons from Science Olympiad. National Science Teacher Association Annual Conference. Atlanta, GA. March 15, 2018.
• 21) Loehr, J. F.; Designing and Evaluating Hands-On Activities to Engage All Learners: Learn how to create and evaluate hands-on activities that engage all learners using a framework from Science Olympiad. National Science Teacher Association Regional Workshop. New Orleans, LA. December 1, 2017.
• 22) Loehr, J. F.; Designing and Evaluating Project-Based Activities to Foster 3-D Learning: Learn how to create and evaluate Project-Based Learning activities that address the three dimensions of the NGSS using a framework from Science Olympiad. National Science Teacher Association Regional Workshop. Milwaukee, WI. November 9, 2017.
• 24) Price-Colley, K. & Loehr, J. F.; Back to School in Science Olympiad Style. National Science Teacher Association Annual Conference. Los Angeles, CA. March 30 – April 2, 2017.
• 25) Loehr, J. F.; Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative Kick Starter. National Science Teacher Association Annual Conference. Los Angeles, CA. March 30 – April 2, 2017.
• 26) Loehr, J. F. & Karriem, N.; In-School Instructional Science Coaching: Experiences from the Field. National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference. Philadelphia, PA, March 18 - 21, 2010.
• 27) Tai, R. H., Potvin, G., Loehr, J. F., & Lloyd, S. S.; The Doctoral Experiences of Students and Their Advisors in Chemistry and Physics: A Qualitative Examination. National Association for Research in Science. Baltimore, MD, March 30 – April 3, 2008.
• 28) Loehr, J. F. (replacing Ballard P.), Burton K., & Kendzior, K.; Measuring Conditions for Learning for School District Performance Management, a symposium presentation at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New York, NY. March 24 - 28, 2008
• 29) Loehr, J. F., Tai, R. H., & Sadler, P. M. High School and College Biology: A Multilevel Model of the Effects of High School Courses on Introductory Course Performance. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference. Chicago, IL, April 9 – 13, 2007.
• 30) Tai, R. H., Loehr, J. F., & Brigham, F. J. Exploring Eye-gaze Tracking as a Means of Assessing Scientific Content Knowledge Expertise. American Educational Research Association, Montreal, CAN. April 11 – 15, 2005.
• 31) Loehr, J. F. & Tai, R. H. The impact of high school biology on introductory college biology performance: A report from Project FICSS. Association for Science Teacher Education, Colorado Springs, CO, January 19 – 23, 2005.
• 32) Loehr, J. F. & Tai, R. H. The Effects of Select High School Biology Content on Students’ Introductory College Biology Performance: A Project FICSS Report, National Association of Research in Science Teaching. Dallas, TX, April 4 -7, 2005.
• 33) Tai, R. H. & Loehr, J. F. Bridging Disciplines: A Look at a Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program in the Physical Sciences. American Evaluation Association. Atlanta, GA, November 3 – 6, 2004.
• 34) Tai, R. H., Loehr, J. F., & Brigham, F. J. Windows to the Mind: Using Eye-gaze Tracking to Gauge Expertise. National Association of Research in Science Teaching. Vancouver, CAN, April 1–3, 2004.
• 35) Loehr, J. F. & Tai, R. H. Changing Pace: Factors Influencing Teaching Practice Diversity. National Association of Research in Science Teaching. Philadelphia. March 23 – 26, 2003.
• 36) Tai, R. H. & Loehr, J. F. Directing Energies: A Look at the Transition from Student to Scientist. Association of Educators of Teachers of Science. St Louis. January 30 – February 1, 2003.
• 37) Tai, R. H. & Loehr, J. F.; Promoting Variety: Factors that Influence Pedagogical Diversity in 10th Grade Science Classrooms; a roundtable session given at the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL. April 21 – 25, 2003.
• 38) Irving, K., Loehr, J., Edmundson, M., & Yam, E.; Collaborative Efforts to Provide a Technology Rich Student Teaching Experience in a Secondary Biology Classroom, a paper presentation given at the Virginia Science for Technology Education Annual Conference, Richmond, VA. October 2001.
• 39) Bell, R., Rezba, R., Irving, K., McNall, R., & Loehr, J.; Teaching Science with Technology: A Panorama of Effective Tools, a workshop presentation given at the Virginia Association of Science Teachers Annual Conference, Richmond, VA. October 2001.
• 40) Loehr, J.; Bringing Computers into the Classroom, a workshop presentation given at the Chicago Public Schools’ Annual Rising to the Challenge Technology Conference, Chicago, IL. October 2000