My professional practice has been refined and enhanced by the PAEMST experience. The application process stretched me to reflect more critically and think more deeply about my role in the classroom. The day-to-day decisions that teachers make have a profound effect on student achievement both in the classroom and in our community. We are fortunate to live in a country where the highest level of government recognizes the importance and impact of teachers.

Jessica Gogerty Des Moines, IA | 7-12, Science, 2009

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

Jessica Gogerty is currently in her 21st year of teaching secondary science for Des Moines Public Schools. For the last 13 years, she has been teaching Physics at North High School. Currently, she teaches Freshman Physics in the North High Ninth Grade Academy. Jessica was a lead teacher in the development and deployment of both the Freshman Physics curriculum and the Ninth Grade Academy. As a scientist and educator, Jessica continually investigates ways to refine her classroom practices in order to excite and engage students in scientific inquiry. She has become an inspiring role model for both staff and students for her persistent quest for improvement and her student-centered teaching. As a master teacher, she has facilitated support classes for more than 300 first-year teachers. Jessica is a staff development leader for Des Moines Public Schools and a regular presenter within her district as well as in neighboring districts. A product of Iowa’s public education system, Jessica has a bachelor's degree in Chemistry Education from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's degree in Science Education from the University of Iowa. She is National Board Certified in adolescent and young adult science.

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