Regena Hartley Beard is a dedicated educator specializing in fifth grade science and sixth grade robotics/STEM at Copper Mill Elementary in Zachary, Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction with a STEM concentration from Louisiana State University–Shreveport.

Recognized for her innovative approach to science education, Beard is the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and was named Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Science Teachers Association. She is a certified teacher mentor, founded a robotics and coding club at Copper Mill Elementary and serves on the teacher advisory councils for her school system and the state.

In addition to her classroom work, Beard has made significant contributions to the broader educational community. Her commitment to advancing computer science education includes serving on the Computer Science Advisory Council and working as a Computer Science Teacher Leader Advisor. As a member of the Let Teachers Teach workgroup, Beard advocates for policies that promote teacher autonomy, sustainability and respect for professional expertise. She believes that empowering educators leads to stronger outcomes for students and communities.

Passionate about fostering real-world connections in her classroom, Beard emphasizes the integration of computer science in elementary education, helping students understand the relevance of STEM in everyday life. Her approach aims to empower young learners by connecting classroom concepts to practical applications, nurturing problem-solving skills and inspiring lifelong curiosity in science and technology.