As I reflect upon the description of a Presidential Award recipient, verbs such as model, inspire, and lead continue to draw my attention. But one word, hidden amongst the others, captures what the Presidential Award means to me. That word is honor. An honor to receive, yes; but more so, it is my honor to model, inspire, and lead colleagues in my profession. Teaching science is not what I do, it is who I am. Receiving the Presidential Award would be affirmation of my life’s work.

Teresa Cowan Swannanoa, NC | K-6, Science, 2012

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

Teresa Cowan has been in science education for more than 28 years.  She spent more than 20 years teaching sixth grade science at Charles D. Owen Middle School in Buncombe County. She was an Outdoor Environmental Educator at YMCA Camp Greenville in Greenville County, SC.   She currently facilitates science education as the Mountain Office Outreach Director for The Science House of North Carolina State University. Science is alive in Teresa’s classroom. Whether the activity is building solar cars, raising trout, gathering recycling, creating worm bins, designing geodesic domes, or measuring force using a LabQuest, there is something for everyone. Teresa’s passion is to cultivate science thinkers. Teresa has conducted workshops at state, regional, and international conferences.  She has published work and authored an article in "Teachers of Color" magazine. Teresa has also served as President of the North Carolina Science Teachers Association and now serves on the state board. Teresa has a B.A. in biology from the University of North Carolina-Asheville and an M.A. in middle grade science and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from Western Carolina University. She is certified in elementary education and middle grade science. She is also a certified Environmental Educator and is National Board Certified in adolescent science.

Know a great teacher like Teresa Cowan?