The Presidential Award represents an honor not only for me, but for the Coweta County School System and the state of Georgia. It reflects my work in the classroom as well as the hard work of my fellow educators. Collaboration has always motivated me, and this award is a result of our team effort to build a positive learning culture. This award means I have ignited a passion for STEM education and have inspired young minds to make valuable contributions and create a successful future for America.

Martha Milam Sharpsburg, GA | 7-12, Science, 2017

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

Martha Milam has been an educator for over 14 years. She worked as a chemist for two years before leaving the industry to pursue a more rewarding career - teaching. She began teaching chemistry in Texas, spending four years at Cypress Creek High School. Currently, Martha is in her 11th year of teaching for Coweta County Schools. At East Coweta High School, she teaches Chemistry and Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry for grades 10-12. In the classroom, Martha uses modeling and whiteboarding strategies. Her students use computer simulations for nanochemistry and state-of-the-art sensor technology in the lab. Students produce non-fiction book projects to see science in the real world. Martha has led workshops in AP Chemistry, STEM leadership, grant writing, and technology. Since 2009, she has coached the Science Olympiad, encouraging students to experience STEM in the real world. Martha served as Coweta County Teacher of the Year in 2015 and as a top 10 finalist for 2017 Georgia Teacher of the Year. She is on the State Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council and is a regional representative for the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT). She also writes for Chemistry Solutions. Martha earned her B.S. in chemistry from Furman University and M.S. in physical chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is certified in composite science for grades 6-12.

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