I want to teach my students that they can achieve any goal through hard work. Winning the Presidential Award because of my hard work has been my goal. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a role model for my students. I am humbled to be recognized for Ohio because I have had the opportunity to work with so many highly qualified educators. And all of this has happened because I am lucky enough to have a job that I am passionate about and students that I love so much.

Sandee Coats-Haan Liberty Township, OH | 7-12, Science, 2009

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

Sandee Coats-Haan has taught for 14 years. For the past 13 years at Lakota East High School, she has taught Advanced Placement and Honors Physics, as well as science for English-language learners and special education students. She also taught mathematics at Walnut Hills High School. Sandee achieves her goal that students see physics everywhere through activities and projects. Students are surprised that they are encouraged to play with toys in a physics class. Sometimes students build things like windmills and motors; sometimes they dissect things like disposable cameras. Sandee leads in technology. She teaches physics through a variety of software, simulations, clickers, and probeware. Her students chronicle classroom activities in a blog. She has led in-service programs on subjects as varied as classroom websites, Microsoft Excel and Word, and Internet safety. Sandee arrives 45 minutes early daily to offer help to her students. During these sessions, concepts are reinforced, and respect and relationships are built. Sandee has a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an M.A.T. from Miami University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and is certified in chemistry and physics. She has also worked as an engineer for Procter & Gamble.

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