I never became a teacher for recognition. However, being awarded the Presidential Award is a tremendous honor. It also is a challenge to do even more: to create even better lessons that reach more students and to then share this with other educators. This award validates many hours of hard work and self-criticism, to recognize that my teaching reflects the best practices in education and helps students achieve. It is extremely motivating to be recognized for this award.

Nathaniel Childers Rochester Hills, MI | 7-12, Science, 2009

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

Nate Childers has taught science at Hart Middle School for the past 16 years. Nate found his calling as a teacher after spending 6 years working for General Motors. His philosophy of education is to create opportunities for students to experience science so that it becomes real in their lives, which will inspire them to crave more. As a teacher leader, Nate develops curriculums, writes common assessments, and shares his instructional ideas. He was a project writer for the Michigan High School Earth Science Content Expectations, and he continues to develop lessons that help teachers and students throughout the State. Nate is very passionate about the use of media and technology in the classroom. He has done extensive projects with various technologies, such as handheld computers, student response systems, and interactive whiteboards. Nate has presented at various conferences on science and technology and continues offering ideas and lessons via his website dedicated to earth science instruction. Nate has a B.A. in General Science from Madonna University and a Master of Science Education degree from Lawrence Technological University. He is certified in elementary education and science.

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