The award is a validation of the support I have experienced from family and colleagues. I am very grateful to the many talented educators in my school and district for fueling my personal growth, but I am more grateful to the many students whose beautiful minds and hearts I have had the privilege of beholding.

Nathan Shields Vancouver, WA | 7-12, Mathematics, 2011

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

Nathan Shields has taught mathematics at Fort Vancouver High School for the past 6 years. Nathan enjoys exploring the connections between mathematics, art, and music with his students. He has created interactive Web sites and online tools for his department and classes, coached the school's Mathematics Team, and organized and hosted mathematics competitions for students of all ages. Nathan also led students and colleagues in the creation of mathematics videos used throughout the district and beyond. His "Pi Rap Battle" has been viewed more than 150,000 times in classrooms around the world. Nathan has presented at the local, state, and national levels on team teaching and classroom technology. Nathan has a B.A., magna cum laude, in mathematics and computer science from Willamette University and a Master in Teaching from Western Washington University. He is National Board Certified in secondary mathematics.

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