The Presidential Award affirms all that I value in education and my hope that I may have inspired my students to question and understand our world through scientific practice. I am sincerely grateful for being considered for an award of such esteem. It honors my efforts in the pursuit of excellence in teaching and is a tribute to those who have taught and guided me to this point in my career.

Traci Loftin Reno, NV | K-6, Science, 2012

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

Traci Loftin has been an educator for 11 years in the Washoe County School District. She taught third, fourth, and eighth grade at Caughlin Ranch Elementary and Dilworth STEM Academy.  She is currently a Consulting Teacher in her district. Traci’s teaching is characterized by captivating students with her passion for science and creating a caring environment that encourages independence and creativity. Her science instruction is enhanced through the integration of all subjects and purposeful community connections such as the Great Reno Balloon Races and Trout in the Classroom.  Traci’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. With the Nevada Science Mentoring Project, she has helped new and veteran teachers incorporate inquiry science into their teaching. She has presented workshops at the local and national levels on polymers, hot air balloons, integrating science, and using science notebooks as formative assessment. Traci has served as a member of the Science Content Review, Achievement Level Descriptors, and Standards Revision teams for her state. In her district, she has been a Lead Teacher for student interns, a Math Coach, and a member of the Science Adoption Committee. Traci has a B.S. in chemical engineering and an M.Ed. in elementary education from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is certified in K through eighth grade with endorsements in mathematics and science.

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