The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching honors science education for our K-6 students. It also honors teachers who believe that science education is an essential core subject. It honors me for following my passion to learn along with my students and recognizes my joy in teaching and learning science. You have energized me with this honor as I continue to work in science education.

Laurette Darling Waterville, ME | K-6, Science, 2010

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

Laurette Darling has been an educator for more than 30 years and has spent the last 5 years teaching fourth grade at Albert S. Hall School. She has also taught in Posen, IL, and at other schools in the Augusta, ME, area. Laurette demonstrates a strong dedication to science teaching, both in the classroom and in activities outside school. She has worked as a Science Resource Teacher for Colby College, supporting 80 teachers in the Colby Partnership schools and modeling lessons for teachers and their students in fourth through sixth grade. She is also the Science Curriculum Leader for her school. For the last 8 years, Laurette has participated in the professional development and leadership of the Maine Science Teachers Association, and she currently serves as the group’s president. Laurette organizes a Family Science Night annually as part of the association’s annual conference. She is also a member of the National Science Teachers Association, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the State mathematics organization. Laurette has a B.S. in early childhood education and an M.Ed. in early childhood education and curriculum instruction from Chicago State University. She is certified in elementary education.

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