I am extremely honored to be nominated for the Presidential Award. This award acknowledges our nation’s commitment to mathematics and science education and the countless hours that educators devote to best practices in teaching. It affirms that with unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion, teachers have the ability to inspire, guide, and impact our nation’s future. I am thrilled to be counted among those outstanding educators who share and uphold that privilege and responsibility.

Jeanette Scillieri Leonia, NJ | K-6, Science, 2012

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

Jeanette Scillieri has taught sixth grade science at Leonia Middle School for the past 12 years. In addition to developing many elements of the current science curriculum, she designed and currently teaches the Environmental Technology cycle for all sixth grade students at her school. Jeanette's dedication and strong background in project-based learning models, inquiry-based lab activities, and cooperative learning styles have been the key to her success in motivating and capturing the minds and hearts of hundreds of Leonia Middle’s schoolchildren. Her students frequently enter into a realm of exploration and discovery that reaches beyond the walls of the classroom. During her 12-year tenure, Jeanette has organized the annual Science Fair, arranged field studies and trips to science museums, and established a student-scientist connection through local university programs. Students even used Skype to connect with scientists in Panama's rain forest. Jeanette received the New Jersey Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award in 2007. She is an active member of her district’s professional development team. Jeanette has a B.A. in sociology from Montclair State University and earned additional credits in science from Rutgers University. She has a New Jersey Teacher Certification (kindergarten through eighth grade) from Ramapo College.

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