To be the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is an incredible testament to the amazing educators that played a role in developing my love for learning. To my dedicated parents, my endearing wife and children, and my countless colleagues, I am so very grateful for all of you. I am honored and humbled to represent this most incredible profession and dedicated to helping others recognize the special gifts and talents that lie within each of us. 

Jay Vahle Carmel, IN | K-6, Mathematics, 2012

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

Jay Vahle has been a teacher for the Carmel Clay school district for 20 years. He has taught all academic areas in a gifted and talented multiage fourth and fifth grade classroom for the past 14 years at Woodbrook Elementary School.  Previously, he spent 6 years in classrooms at Carmel Elementary School. Jay is passionate about inspiring students and empowering them with opportunities to make real-world connections in the here and now and with the awareness to recognize the intricate and fascinating world in which we all play a part. Jay coauthored a specific curriculum for fifth grade students who demonstrate mastery in mathematics content that is multiple grade levels above their own. Embedded real-world awareness coupled with student differentiation and authentic engagement are key components of his classroom. Jay has received the Carmel Clay Teacher of the Year award and was Indiana’s runner-up for Teacher of the Year. He has served as a member of a group of recognized educators who offer their voices to state leaders in education.  Jay has presented at statewide conferences for the Indiana Association for the Gifted, has consulted for school districts in gifted-curriculum writing, and has been a local staff development presenter. Jay has a B.S. in music and philosophy from the University of Indianapolis, where he also received his certification in elementary education.

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