Being selected for the Presidential Award in science is an extreme honor. My passion for inspiring students within the sciences has been a life-long endeavor, and this award has further inspired me to continue these efforts with my students. This award is only possible through the combined effort of all the mentors who inspired me, and reignites the passion to motivate other teachers in science education.

Ryan Brock Reno, NV | K-6, Science, 2016

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

Ryan Brock has been an educator for 19 years in Nevada, including 13 years at his current school, Jessie Beck Elementary School. He has taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grade, including one year as the school’s kindergarten through sixth grade science teacher. He currently teaches all subjects to fifth grade. Early in his career, Ryan found his niche with science education, connecting science concepts across the curriculum into mathematics and literacy for his students. As he improved his own science education, he provided professional development to teachers through the University of Nevada-Reno, Washoe County School District, and Sierra Nevada Journeys. Over his career, Ryan has served as the director of science camps for the Discovery Museum, teaching science camps during the summer and after school. He served as the field-based faculty member, emphasizing science education for preservice teachers at the University of Nevada-Reno. He also currently serves as the Education Coordinator for the Wild Sheep Foundation, where he educates the public on the biological aspects of wild sheep. Ryan is certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade and earned a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. In addition, he earned a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction and a Ph.D. in curriculum, teaching, and learning, both from the University of Nevada-Reno.

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