Being a Presidential Award recipient is an incredible honor. This award is a tribute to all who have supported me in my career: my family, friends, community, and all my students. My students have made me the teacher that I am and I'm so grateful for all of them. This award ignites my goal of motivating and engaging other rural elementary teachers in quality science education. It is extremely rewarding to be recognized for something I truly enjoy and about which I am so passionate.

Justine Hurley White Sulphur Springs, MT | K-6, Science, 2018

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

Justine Hurley has spent her 12-year teaching career at White Sulphur Springs Elementary. She currently teaches all subjects to her third-grade class and previously served as the elementary reading specialist for four years. Justine’s passion for teaching elementary science extends to her students by creating a classroom culture that is constantly evolving, engaging, and hands-on. Students in her classroom benefit from using a cross-disciplinary science instruction model that makes science relevant in everything that they are learning. Justine strives to bring current science-related educational practices and opportunities to rural schools in the state of Montana. She has organized and led professional development sessions regarding implementation of new mathematics and science programs. Justine earned a B.A. in elementary education from Eastern Washington University and is currently completing a M.S. in curriculum and instruction. She is certified to teach kindergarten through eighth grade elementary school curriculum.

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