The Presidential Award is a great honor and wonderful affirmation of the work I do with my students. It sends a clear message that science education and real-life, project-based learning is a worthy educational path and that true education is far more than reading drills and screening scores. I hope this award provides validation of this type of work and serves as inspiration to colleagues to pursue the wonderfully messy work of real learning.

Elizabeth Heidemann Cushing, ME | K-6, Science, 2012

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

Beth Heidemann has taught kindergarten at the Cushing Community School for 20 years, acting as a leader within the school and as a liaison to the community. She serves on her school's Student Intervention Team and acts as Team Leader. Beth is focused on developing project-based learning experiences that weave students’ needs and interests into activities that connect them to the community and world around them. Her most recent class, for example, worked with the town recycling committee to collect data, create public service announcements, and publish a book.   Beth's teaching reaches beyond her classroom, involving community volunteers and external experts. Through various grants, Beth has worked to provide her students with current technology, including an interactive whiteboard and one-to-one iPads. She passionately integrates technology into her teaching, yet gives her students real-world experiences and ample contact with nature. She cochaired the town trail committee that designed and built a half-mile nature trail for school and public use. In 1990, Beth won a National Semiconductor Innovative Educator Award, which provided funds for professional development for all the staff at her school.  Beth has a B.A. in human ecology from College of the Atlantic and a K through eighth grade Maine teaching certificate. She is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist.

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