The Presidential Award is the highest honor a science educator can receive. It is the affirmation of years of hard work, dedication to the profession, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The true meaning of the award can be found in the achievement of all students who had the privilege of learning from educators who constantly strive to improve student learning. It is a privilege and honor to represent teachers of this caliber through this award.

Elizabeth Mirra Windsor, VT | 7-12, Science, 2011

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

Elizabeth Mirra has been an educator for 12 years and has spent the last 6 years at Windsor High School, where she teaches Chemistry, Physical Science, and Forensics.  Liz has a passion for science that she strives to pass on to her students. Her goal is to design lessons and units that engage students and allow them to find relevant applications for the content. Liz has worked to improve the quality of science instruction at her school by aligning curriculum and implementing inquiry-based instruction. Liz is the team leader for her school’s Math and Science Departments. She mentors new teachers in science as well as other subject areas. She has also served as a Science Network Leader for the Vermont Department of Education, where she designed and carried out professional development for teachers throughout the State. During the summer, she teaches graduate courses in science best practices and science content to elementary and secondary teachers. She also works with schools throughout Vermont to align curriculum and improve science instruction and assessment. Liz has a B.S. in animal science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an M.A. in science education from Castleton State College. She is certified in secondary science education.

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