The Presidential Award is symbolic of the colleagues, administrators, and students that I am fortunate to work with. Their support through collaboration, questioning, learning, laughing and growing inspires me daily. It means that perseverance, courage and teamwork are essential elements to our success. This award encourages me to continue to follow my passion in regards to teaching mathematics and helping productive strugglers through discourse and authentic mathematical modeling tasks.

Dacia Lackey Bozeman, MT | K-6, Mathematics, 2016

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

Dacia Lackey has been an educator for 21 years. She has spent the last six years at Hyalite Elementary School where she teaches mathematics, science, and art to fifth grade classes. Dacia engages her students in real-world mathematical modeling experiences, providing them the opportunity to take risks, engage in discourse, analyze data, and take part in a variety of STEM challenges. These young mathematicians see how mathematics concepts are connected and applied in real life. Her students self-differentiate, form and test conjectures, use technology, and investigate real-world situations by asking mathematical questions. Dacia has presented at the 2016 Montana State Office of Public Instruction, Title 1 Conference, and recently (through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) co-authored an article in Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, "Exploring Yellowstone National Park with Mathematical Modeling.". She currently serves on Bozeman's District Math and Professional Development Committees and is a cooperating teacher for education students through Montana State University. Dacia also co-teaches an afterschool STEM club where students learn about engineering, coding, and LEGO robotics. Dacia earned a B.A., cum laude, in elementary education from Washington State University, and is a certified kindergarten through eighth grade teacher

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