Dr. Lucia Eisner Named 2026 Bishop John Quinn Teacher of the Year

The Excellence in Teaching Award honors a teacher for their ability to inspire students and foster a love of learning, while also recognizing educators who actively participate in school life, support their colleagues, and go above and beyond for their students and families. Each school in the Catholic High School League nominates one educator for this recognition, and from those nominees, the Archdiocese of Detroit selects the Bishop John Quinn High School Teacher of the Year.

St. Catherine of Siena Academy proudly nominated veteran science teacher Dr. Lucia Eisner as the school’s Excellence in Teaching Award recipient for 2025–2026, and we are honored to share that she has also been named the 2026 Bishop John Quinn Teacher of the Year.

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Now in her eleventh year at SCA and eighteenth year in education, Dr. Eisner has helped shape the science program at the Academy while mentoring countless students along the way. She earned a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University, a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Ethics from Barry University, and a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology from the University of Florida. In addition to her extensive academic and research background, she is also certified in all science disciplines and completed post-doctoral research at the Thaler Center for AIDS and Retrovirus Research at the University of Virginia.

At SCA, students know “Ms. Lucia” not only for her academic knowledge, but for the time and care she gives to each student. Her classroom is often filled before school, during lunch, and long after the final bell rings. Whether students are preparing for exams, discussing future career plans, or simply looking for encouragement, Dr. Eisner makes herself available.

Over the years, she has developed and taught numerous science courses, including dual enrollment Biology and Anatomy & Physiology through Madonna University. She also created SCA’s healthcare internship partnership with Henry Ford Providence Hospital Novi, giving students valuable real-world experience in healthcare settings while still in high school. Many SCA graduates have gone on to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, research, and allied health fields after participating in the program.

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Her impact can also be seen through SCA’s HOSA program, where she serves as advisor. Under her leadership, students regularly participate in regional and state competitions, with several advancing to the national level in recent years. Through HOSA, students gain opportunities for leadership, collaboration, service, and hands-on experience in healthcare careers.

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Dr. Eisner integrates faith, learning, and mentorship into daily school life. She attends daily Mass with students, advises clubs, volunteers for student activities, and encourages young women to pursue their gifts with confidence.

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As Principal Judy Hehs shared in her nomination letter:

“Lucia is an approachable and diversely talented educator. She goes above and beyond any expectation we have of our teachers. Lucia models her faith-life beautifully. She professes her faith quietly yet publicly. Lucia challenges her students to be who they are meant to be — developing their gifts as women created in God’s image.”

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At St. Catherine of Siena Academy, students are formed through the integration of faith and reason so they may transform the culture. Dr. Eisner models that mission each day by helping students approach science with curiosity, integrity, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every person.

This recognition is meaningful to the SCA community because Bishop John Quinn himself was an original member of St. Catherine of Siena Academy’s Board of Trustees. After retiring as Bishop of Winona–Rochester, Minnesota, he returned to SCA’s Board in 2025. To have Dr. Eisner receive an award bearing Bishop Quinn’s name is a special honor for our school community.

Earlier this spring, Dr. Eisner was also recognized as a Catholic Foundation of Michigan Amazing Catholic Educator.

Congratulations, Ms. Lucia!