To me, the Presidential Award means that our country’s bias toward progress is alive and our drive for innovation is thriving. Science is a vehicle for progress and innovation in which all people can participate. I have dedicated my career to create learning environments that invite all students to act as scientists because science is for everyone and everyone is a scientist. This recognition proves that my innovation is a small part of the greater vision for science teaching and learning.

Erin Greenwood Boulder, CO | 7-12, Science, 2019

The official biography below was current at the time of the award. For this awardee's latest biographical information, see their profile page.

Erin Greenwood has taught young scientists for 15 years. She has spent the last three years teaching eighth grade earth and space science and the previous 11 years teaching sixth grade Physical Science at Nevin Platt Middle School. She previously taught seventh grade Life Science at Casey Middle School for one year. As a National Education Association master teacher in the BetterLesson Master Teacher Project , Erin works with students, colleagues, district staff, community members, and university researchers to design and publish Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned units. She created a complete NGSS unit design toolbox, teaches district-level professional development courses, and coaches other science teachers. In her classroom, Erin uses primary research from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to engage students in an NGSS unit of study about a puzzling fossil site in Colorado. Students conduct simulated paleontological digs to discover historical climate and geological conditions leading to the creation of this local phenomenon. Erin leads an outdoor experiential education program for students. In six years, she has led over 300 students on expeditions to wild places that bring science to life in authentic and engaging ways. Erin earned a B.A. in environmental science and a B.A., cum laude, in English literature from Washington University in Saint Louis; a certificate in undergraduate studies from Oxford University; a post-baccalaureate teacher certificate and a M.A. in instruction and curriculum in secondary science, both from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is certified in secondary science and is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching in early adolescent science.

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