The Presidential Award is such an honor for those who labor to prepare the next generation to sustain and improve our world. As science teachers, we endeavor to train students in scientific methods and knowledge in order that they can effectively practice stewardship, innovation, and design. This award, and the recognition associated with it, honors the exponential impact that science education will have on the future of the United States and the world as a whole.

Aaron Sams Woodland Park, CO | 7-12, Science, 2009

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Aaron Sams has been teaching science at Woodland Park High School for the past 4 years. Prior to coming to Colorado, he taught at Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights, CA. Recently, Aaron served the State of Colorado as co-chair of the science committee charged with revising the Colorado P-12 Academic Standards. He is also a frequent speaker and trainer at educational technology conferences and workshops. His particular interests are in the delivery of direct instruction via video podcast. His method eliminates lectures from class time and allows for one-on-one and small group interaction with students. Because of his work with video podcasting, he has had the opportunity to publish an article in the International Society for Technology in Education magazine, Learning & Leading. He has also been featured in other articles and journals and has appeared on Spark, a technology show from the Canadian Broadcasting Company. Aaron believes that all students can learn science and that his role as teacher should be that of a guide and tutor. Because he no longer lectures in class, his classroom has become a laboratory of learning where students actively master science concepts and take responsibility for their own education. Aaron has a B.S. in Biochemistry and an M.A. in Education, both from Biola University.

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