For me the Presidential Award is a badge of honor, so science will be recognized as a valuable part of every student's education. My hope is that people will ask me about the award and I will get to share my passion for science. It means I get a chance to explain that science, mathematics, and reading can be connected. Tying them together can reach students who might have otherwise given up on learning.

Lucretia Weck Oblong, IL | K-6, Science, 2010

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

Lucretia Weck has spent her career of 21 years at Oblong Elementary in the Oblong Community Unit School District 4. She currently teaches fifth grade. Lucretia collaborated with the other fifth grade teacher to create a "mini-junior high" setting. She instructs all fifth grade science classes. She also teaches reading, English, mathematics, and spelling. Real-life, multisensory activities and action-packed projects connect her students to the science curriculum. Lucretia's own curiosity and teaching style keep concepts real and meaningful. Lucretia's love and concern for kids go beyond the school day. She initiated an afterschool program, Thursday Clubs, more than 10 years ago and continues to be the coordinator of the program. She encourages science-based clubs. Lucretia looks for innovative ways to reach her students through professional development opportunities. One such opportunity came through a class, Teaching With Toys that created numerous ideas to get students engaged in learning. Lucretia has a B.S., cum laude, in education and an M.S. in education from Eastern Illinois University. She holds a Master Elementary Teaching certificate and is certified to teach kindergarten through ninth grade. Lucretia is a National Board Certified Middle Childhood Generalist.

Know a great teacher like Lucretia Weck?