The Presidential Award is a reflection of the highest standard one can set for the teaching of science; consideration for this award is both humbling and an honor. This award is the compilation of years of researching best teaching practices and implementing those practices with both students and other teachers. Mostly, the award means the opportunity to strive for excellence, to open the minds of my students, and to open doors they had not considered.

Dawn Sparks Thorp, WA | K-6, Science, 2010

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

Dawn Sparks has been an educator for more than 25 years and has spent the last 15 years teaching fourth and sixth grade at Thorp Elementary in the Thorp School District. She spent the previous 10 years teaching intermediate grades in Sweet Home, OR, and Honolulu, HI. Outside of the classroom, Dawn shares her passion for teaching science with other teachers. She has given presentations on the foundational use of inquiry-based instructional materials along with implementation of science notebooks throughout Washington State and in China. Dawn has also served as a faculty member for Washington State’s Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform. As member of this faculty, she has assisted many school districts in the implementation of a strategic plan to incorporate science education reform in their own districts. Dawn has also developed training manuals and Web site resources to assist teachers as they implement inquiry-based science and science notebooks. Dawn has a B.A. in education from Central Washington University and a Master's of Science Education from Walden University. She is certified in elementary and secondary education.

Know a great teacher like Dawn Sparks?