The Presidential Award celebrates innovation, commitment, quality, and passion in teaching. The thought of being recognized for doing what you do every day to spark learning in children is an honor. Teaching is a multifaceted and challenging career, including planning, differentiating, and assessing the ongoing learning of students. This award reflects the support of family, colleagues, and an innovative school district which values professional development and collaboration for ongoing growth.

Marlo Tomich Omaha, NE | K-6, Science, 2016

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

Marlo Tomich has been an educator since 2001 at Westside Community Schools, teaching sixth grade at Carl A. Swanson Elementary School for the past 17 years. She teaches language arts, mathematics, and all grade level sections of the science curriculum while integrating technology and community building. Marlo shares her passion for science with students by providing tools and strategies to engage students in experiences that lead to deeper understanding of content. Students are challenged to think like real-world scientists to explore experiments in collaborative teams. Marlo is also a member of Westside’s Science Toolbox Committee. This committee provides teacher training and develops, evaluates, and revises the district’s sixth grade science curriculum to ensure quality of science instruction across the school district. In 2013-2014, Marlo was awarded the Westside Bravo Award, which recognizes teachers who skillfully and successfully tap into the unique academic, social, emotional, and/or physical talents of students and who inspire students to fully engage in school and/or community life. Marlo earned a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master's of Arts and Science in curriculum and instruction from Doane College. She is certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade elementary education.

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