I chose to teach because I have a passion for inspiring students to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve greatness. I believe my responsibility as their teacher is to guide them to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and effective communicators. The honor of the Presidential Award would further strengthen my confidence to continue helping students reach their full potential and result in a brighter future for our country. 

Andrea Higdon Crestwood, KY | 7-12, Mathematics, 2011

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

Andrea Higdon has taught eighth grade Mathematics and Algebra 1 at East Oldham Middle School for 7 years. Prior to that, she taught mathematics in two other Kentucky counties. At the school level, Andrea piloted a Response to Intervention co-teaching model that was subsequently expanded to other grades/areas. As Lead Mathematics Teacher, Andrea facilitates professional learning community meetings and also plans and facilitates professional development for her mathematics colleagues. Dedicated to helping students, Andrea opens her doors an hour early each morning and also tutors after school. As part of the District Leadership Team, Andrea writes curriculum, end-of-course assessments, and transfer tasks that are implemented across the county. Andrea is also a lab host for Denver’s Public Education and Business Coalition's Thinking Strategy Institutes, a forum for teachers and administrators from other districts visit her classroom to observe the impact of community, the workshop model, and thinking strategies on empowering students.  Andrea has a B.A. in middle grades education from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Mathematics Education from the University of Louisville. She is a certified middle grades mathematics instructor, and she recently applied for National Board Certification.

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