Through the support of my colleagues, administrators, and community, I am very honored and humbled to receive this prestigious Presidential Award in science teaching. I am a life-long learner who is constantly seeking research-based strategies that nurture the curiosity in my students. This award validates my efforts of creating an engaging learning environment and motivates me to continue using inquiry-based lessons that promote critical thinking in my classroom.

Michelle Rahn Claremore, OK | K-6, Science, 2016

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

An educator for 10 years, Michelle Rahn has taught sixth grade science at Will Rogers Junior High for the last year. Previously, she taught a kindergarten through fifth grade science lab at Westside Elementary School and Central Upper Elementary School. Michelle utilizes inquiry-based lessons where students’ curiosity leads to the investigation of their natural world. In 2015, she received a Fund for Teachers Fellowship, where she created her own course of professional development related to science instruction. She was also selected to attend the Mickelson Exxon-Mobil Teacher Academy, where she received training in the interrelationships between scientific inquiry and mathematical problem solving. After initiating a sixth grade STEM club, Michelle was selected to participate in the United States Naval Academy’s education and outreach training. She is a member of the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Science/Mathematics Leadership Class II, the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association, and the National Science Teachers Association. She serves on her school’s leadership team and district’s classroom teachers’ association negotiating team. Michelle earned a B.S. in elementary education from Cameron University and is certified in elementary and early childhood education. She is currently earning her M.S. in teaching, learning, and leadership from Oklahoma State University.

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