The Presidential Award is a celebration of the finest education has to offer and a validation of my life's work. For ten years I have poured myself into the future of our country through service to my students. I have been a "nation builder" that has continued the advance of America into the 21st century by encouraging, molding, and imparting wisdom into amazing children. Thanks to the NSF, this award process crafted my teaching skills for the benefit of the ones who matter most, my students! 

John Dearybury III Spartanburg, SC | K-6, Science, 2012

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

Jed Dearybury has been an educator for 11 years.  Spartanburg School District Six has always been his professional home. He began teaching at Lone Oak Elementary and currently teaches second grade at Woodland Heights Elementary. Jed is an advocate for students and inquiry-based science. In his second year as an educator, he coauthored a grant to bring vermicomposting to his first graders. Through his participation with donorschoose.org and the Lily, Sarah, Grace Fund, he has acquired more than $10,000 in science materials, including LEGO robotics, iPads, microscopes and slides, class geology kits, and Boomwhackers. As a champion of science, Jed has cochaired his school's Science Fair Committee for the past 2 years and led a schoolwide Family Science Night to encourage participation in the fair. Jed served the science community across the state as District Chair for the South Carolina Science Council during the 2012-2013 school year. He presented his use of LEGO robotics with primary grades across the state at the council's regional conferences. Jed has been recognized throughout South Carolina as a successful and innovative teacher leader because of his students' success in all areas of the curriculum.   Jed has a B.A. in Christian studies from North Greenville College and an M.A.T. in education from Converse College. He is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist.

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