The Presidential Award for Excellence is an incredible honor for me. Recognizing teachers that are making a significant impact pushes us as educators to achieve even more in our profession. It is critical amid a global information age to continue to work together to find ways to advance student achievements in science and mathematics. I am proud to represent Deer Creek Middle School and the great state of Oklahoma as a Presidential Award Recipient!

Kristy VanDorn Edmond, OK | 7-12, Science, 2009

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

Kristy VanDorn has taught eighth grade science at Deer Creek Middle School for the past 3 years. She spent the previous 8 years teaching science in the Putnam City and Stillwater school districts in Oklahoma. Kristy has also served as a professional development instructor for Oklahoma State University. Kristy enjoys teaching adolescents and feels that taking students with raging hormones and insecurities and helping them find confidence through discovery and accomplishment is rewarding. Kristy serves as a district coordinator for new teachers and mentors, and she designs professional development opportunities to support mentoring and collaboration. She also sponsors her school’s Green Team, working with students to become one of the first certified Oklahoma Green Schools. Kristy has a B.S. and an M.S. in Education from Oklahoma State University. She is certified in elementary, middle level, and secondary science education and is a candidate for National Board Certification.

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