This award recognizes the efforts of teachers who endeavor to create learning opportunities that encourage students to be lifelong learners. I strive to inspire this love of learning and encourage my students to be critical thinkers through inquiry and exploration. They willingly accept their role as scientists as they enter my classroom ready for a new challenge. Their enthusiasm motivates me to seek out and implement best practices in my instruction with the goal of student success.

Rebecca Qualm Buffalo, WY | K-6, Science, 2010

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

Rebecca Qualm has been an educator for more than 15 years and has spent the last 3 years teaching fifth grade science and reading at Clear Creek Elementary School in Johnson County School District 1. She has also taught fifth grade in South Dakota's Watertown School District 14-4 and kindergarten in Hong Kong, China. Rebecca’s science instruction reaches beyond the walls of her classroom, through field studies linking student learning to the environment surrounding the school. She is effective in involving parents and community specialists as guest speakers, building partnerships with students, families, and the community. Rebecca took the lead on initiating and piloting science curricula. Her thorough investigation of various curricula led to a districtwide adoption. Through extended-day learning classes, Rebecca provided enrichment opportunities for exceptional learners as well as reinforcement for students having difficulties with science. She engaged students through investigations using the inquiry process to extend science skills so that all students might find success. Rebecca has a B.A., cum laude, in elementary education from Nazareth College. She is a certified elementary school teacher and is pursuing National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist.

Know a great teacher like Rebecca Qualm?