Receiving the Presidential Award is the culmination of my career. As a fourth-generation teacher, I deeply understand what an honor it is to be recognized in such an exemplary way. This award affirms what I have done in the science classroom and celebrates my students’ successes. It energizes me to grow as a teacher and as a mentor. I look forward to networking with state and national science leaders to identify best practices that will inspire excellence by science students across America. 

Gail Schulte Smyrna, TN | 7-12, Science, 2011

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

Gail Schulte taught middle school science for 4 years at Smyrna Middle School and for 8 years at Ooltewah Middle School. She now serves as Instructional Facilitator for Rutherford County Schools. As Instructional Facilitator, Gail mentors 78 new teachers in 10 secondary schools. She models lesson preparation, observes classroom activities, and presents best practices at monthly meetings. To engage students in hands-on science, Gail initiated a science fair for Ooltewah Middle School and supported participation in the Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, resulting in statewide winners. Gail integrated activities from the Tennessee Aquarium’s Wet and Wild program and the Toyota Foundation Schoolyard Ecosystem program to bring environmental education alive. Gail is a State-trained mentor for student teachers and was selected as a Teacher Now science coach by Middle Tennessee State University. Gail has an A.S., summa cum laude, in elementary education from Chattanooga State Community College; a B.S., magna cum laude, in elementary education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; and an M.A., summa cum laude, in instructional leadership from Tennessee Technological University. She is certified in K-8 elementary education and K-12 administration.

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