Receiving the Presidential award is an amazing honor. I am truly humbled by this, especially when I consider all of the excellent science educators that I have the opportunity to work with on a daily basis. I feel privileged to represent each and every one of them in accepting this award. I am also grateful to the wonderful students that I have had the pleasure to teach over the past 7 years. My students continue to challenge me every day, and I look forward to many more years of teaching and learning.

Michelle Spigner Columbia, SC | 7-12, Science, 2009

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

Michelle Spigner has been teaching at Spring Valley High School for 7 years. She is heavily involved in the Discovery Math and Science Magnet Program, where she has taught courses for all grade levels and served as the assistant director. Currently, Michelle teaches Biology, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, and Research II and III. Michelle truly enjoys getting to know her students, creating an inviting and accepting classroom environment. She tries to make all learning personally relevant by relating course content to real-life experiences. Michelle has actively mentored more than 200 students engaged in extensive scientific research. Each year, several of her mentees are competitively selected to compete in national and international research competitions. Michelle founded her school’s Science National Honor Society. For the past 3 years, she has recruited her students to participate in the American Cancer Society (ACS)-sponsored Relay for Life, donating more than $8,000 to ACS. Michelle has a B.S. in Biology and an M.A.T. in Natural Science from the University of South Carolina. She is National Board Certified in adolescent and young adult science, and she is licensed to teach biology, chemistry, and physics. Michelle holds additional certifications in AP Biology and gifted and talented education.

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