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2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Deborah Halperin, 3rd Grade
Laurelhurst Elementary, Seattle
Halperin began teaching at Laurelhurst in 2000 as a math specialist. In 2008 she
transitioned to 3rd grade. Halperin’s love for math is contagious, and her
students are obviously deep mathematical thinkers. A quality parents and
colleagues attribute to Halperin’s skill at posing questions that guide students
to discovery rather than providing “right” answers. Parents Fred Rieke and Evan
Goldstein observe “Debby’s is a class of third-graders occupying an oceanic
range of math abilities. And yet, in a manner that we can only characterize as
brilliant, she offers this great diversity of kids, each on their own terms, the
deep experience of shaping an ill-formed mathematical question into a profound
one, and then looking deeply into it. As much as teaching math, she is teaching
her students how to think.”
Kristina Peterson, 5th Grade
Lakeside School, Seattle
Peterson, a recent Einstein Fellow, began her teaching career at the University
of Washington before moving to Lakeside School in 1998 where she currently
teaches 5th grade math and science. Colleagues describe her as an inspiring
mentor whose inventive curriculum has moved others to venture into
interdisciplinary offerings. In the classroom, Peterson’s lessons are artfully
crafted to offer multiple levels of difficulty but not overwhelm students. “Her
classes are packed with conceptual challenge and yet students are so engrossed
in the engaging activities of the class that they are not intimidated by how
challenging and deep the material actually is,” says Math Department Head Tom
Rona. “Kristina finds ways to stretch the already accomplished math students and
also empower and inspire students who have little confidence or experience in
math.”
Nancy Pfaff, 6th Grade Mathematics
Horace Mann Elementary, Redmond
Pfaff, a National Board Certified Teacher, works as the math teacher in her 6th
grade team and with a smaller group of 4th – 6th grade students who did not pass
the MSP. She has also worked as a specialist and in a gifted program. Pfaff’s
use of self-reflection and goal setting helps her students become active,
independent learners who love math. Her 35 years of teaching experience gives
her a depth of knowledge in using research to implement best practices that is
admired by many, and she continues to look for gaps in the experience of both
students and parents, recently planning a family Math Night for the whole
school. Principal Megan Spaulding simple states, “After closely working with and
observing Nancy’s professional expertise, I can truly say she is one of
education’s best.”
Allison Greenberg, 5th Grade
Hawthorne Elementary, Everett
Greenberg, a National Board Certified Teacher, is part of a highly collaborative
5th grade team at Hawthorne. She and her colleagues teach in their particular
areas of strength in a model designed to smoothly transition students to the
middle school. Greenberg is known for her engaging hands-on units that are
accessible to a wide variety of learners. She is an invaluable resource for
other teachers, especially in the area of formative assessment. Kelly Jewell, a
member of her teaching team, praises Allison, saying “She is thoughtful about
her practice, causes us to pause and look at the needs of the whole child, and
always deepens our conversations whether around student, instructional practices
or content. I am lucky to have a partner in teaching who is willing to give so
much of herself to her students, teaching team, school, and district.”
Pam Nolan-Beasley, Kindergarten
Waitsburg Elementary, Waitsburg
Nolan-Beasley began her career in Waitsburg teaching Spanish at the junior high,
but for the past 12 years has taught Kindergarten. She is a LASER master trainer
and a much sought after teacher of teachers in Waitsburg and across her region.
Nolan-Beasley doesn’t just teach science, she creates scientists. A visitor to
her kindergarten classroom will encounter students eagerly completing
inquiry-based activities and using real scientific equipment. Her superintendent
and principal, Carol Clarke, noticed Nolan-Beasley’s talent right away. “From
the moment of my arrival in the district, it was clear that Mrs. Nolan-Beasley
was an exceptional teacher . . . she works tirelessly to ensure her student and
colleagues have access to high quality science education.”
Debra Strong, 5th Grade
Forest View Elementary, Everett
Strong, a National Board Certified Teacher, teaches 5th grade at Forest View – a
position she has held for the past 5 years. Strong’s classroom is teeming with
items to fire students’ scientific curiosity. Parents and colleagues marvel at
the numerous experiential adventures Strong secures for her students and the
resulting increases in student engagement and enthusiasm. Parent Jamie Beth
Sheridan observes the lasting impact of these experiences, “Mrs. Strong is a
teacher who goes above and beyond education; far exceeding all expectations. She
not only helps her students become well-equipped independent managers before
they enter middle school, she prepares and excites her students to make an
impact for a better, global future.”
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