I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the highest honor bestowed upon science teachers, the Presidential Award. Joining a group of educators as passionate about their craft as I am is exhilarating as I envision the impact we can have together on our nation's youngest. I owe many thanks to my family, my colleagues and the hundreds of students who have helped me to become the teacher I am today, but most of all I thank the Lord for this amazing opportunity.

Natasha Craft Somerset, KY | K-6, Science, 2016

The official biography below was current at the time of the award. For this awardee's latest biographical information, see their profile page.

Natasha Craft has been an educator for 21 years. She has taught a STEM lab for all kindergarten through fifth grade students at Pulaski Elementary School for the past four years. Previously, Natasha taught fourth grade science at both Pulaski and Southern Elementary Schools. Natasha strives to instill a love for science in all her students. Her class is high energy and engaging. Natasha organized the school's first Hour of Code, where over 50 students and their parents were introduced to computer programming together. She also led the school's VEX Robotics team to their first state championship. Natasha's passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom. She has provided professional development at the local, state, and national level. As a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch Master Teacher, she has traveled across the country training other educators in the curriculum she used so successfully with her own students. Natasha's awards include the Kentucky PLTW Teacher of the Year, the Valvoline Teacher Achievement Award, the Pulaski Recognizes Innovative Staff Members (PRISM) Award, and the Pulaski County Model Classroom Award. Natasha earned a B.S. in elementary education from Centre College, Danville, KY, and a M.Ed. in instructional leadership from Eastern Kentucky University. She has certifications in elementary education, supervision, and principalship.

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