I feel honored to be selected for the Presidential Award for Excellence. This program recognizes teachers who go above and beyond to instill a love of science and learning in their students. It spotlights those who aren’t satisfied until their influence spills out beyond the school day and classroom. It is amazing to be placed in the ranks of these outstanding educators. Education is a team effort. I am blessed to be a part of a warm, cohesive teaching and learning community.

Kathleen Lentz Valley City, ND | K-6, Science, 2012

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

Kathleen Lentz has been an educator for 23 years and has spent the last 13 years teaching fifth grade at Washington Elementary School. She has also taught in Mission, TX, New Town, ND, and Calamus, IA. Kathy adapts her instruction to meet the needs of all her students. She strives to make each child experience success by utilizing a variety of teaching strategies. She uses humor and creativity to help students make sense of complex scientific concepts. She models the professional vocabulary of scientists and promotes the use of instructional technology. Kathy cowrote a grant to fund an afterschool program, 21st Century Kids, to challenge advanced learners at Washington Elementary School. The program encourages collaboration and higher-level thinking in engineering, mathematics, and science. Kathy is also an adjunct professor at Valley City State University, teaching Science Methods for Elementary Teachers. She encourages preservice teachers to develop a love for science and learning through active participation and hands-on experiences. Kathy has a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Minnesota - Moorhead and an M.S. in education with an emphasis in technology education from Valley City State University. She is certified in kindergarten through sixth grade elementary education and is a National Board Certified Middle Childhood Generalist.

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