Receiving the Presidential Award is a validation of my many years of not just teaching physics, but also attempting to inspire excitement and enthusiasm for my subject and profession. This award also serves as motivation to continue providing a meaningful and engaging learning experience for my students. I am honored to be recognized along with this talented and dedicated group of teachers. It is a genuine privilege to represent the outstanding education professionals of my school, county, and state.

Barry Hopkins Severna Park, MD | 7-12, Science, 2011

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

Barry Hopkins has been an educator in Anne Arundel County high schools for 37 years. For the last 18 years, he has taught at Severna Park High School, where he is currently teaching Advanced Placement (AP) Physics B and C and Honors Physics. For many years, Barry has been dedicated to improving physics instruction in the 12 county high schools, and in the State of Maryland. He has conducted numerous workshops, seminars, and professional development activities involving teaching methods, classroom activities, and the use of computer technology in the science classroom. He meets regularly after school with physics teacher colleagues to share physics teaching ideas and strategies. Barry has also served on the curriculum and pacing guide writing committees for every physics course currently offered in the county, as well as on committees for the AP Physics audits required by the College Board. He continues to be a member of the evaluation and selection committees for textbooks and other instructional materials for the county physics programs. Barry has a B.S., cum laude, in astronomy from the University of Massachusetts and an M.S. in earth-space education from the Johns Hopkins University. He has an Advanced Professional Certificate in physics.

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