Being selected for the Presidential Award in science is an honor that was possible because of my students' passion for learning and my supportive, collaborating partners. This award validates my student-directed problem solving projects and curriculum integration. It has inspired me to complete my graduate studies and assume a greater role in advocating for a focus on the process of science and engineering to solve authentic, real world problems.

Bryan Smith Bethlehem, NH | K-6, Science, 2018

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

Bryan Smith has been teaching for 18 years. For the last eight years, he has taught fourth grade at Bethlehem Elementary School. Bryan taught special education and behavioral support at Lakeway Elementary School in Littleton, NH for three years and taught a behavioral program at Searsmont, ME for seven years. He believes that it is through scientific inquiry and the engineering process that students are best able to build enduring cross curriculum understanding. Bryan is active with the Gulf of Maine Institute promoting stewardship and education. He has collaborated in science fairs and led Destination Imagination teams. As a science content lead in NH’s Performance Assessment of Competency Education system, Bryan has collaborated on creating science assessments. He is also a member of the Bethlehem Elementary School's computer science planning committee and science committee, and co-facilitates the afterschool science and tech club. He received his individualized B.S., with honors, from Charter Oak State College in human services. Bryan is certified in special education K-12, kindergarten through eighth grade elementary, and teacher of students with emotional disabilities. His special education certification program was completed at The University of Maine and he is completing his individualized M.S.Ed. in leadership and curriculum development at Walden University.

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