I am proud to share this Presidential Award with my students, their families, my fellow teachers, my school, my family and friends, and all who hope for the realization of excellence in education for every child, everywhere. This recognition symbolizes the collective effort of all because teaching always happens in community. To uphold the distinction of this award, I will strive to be a lifelong learner who teaches with rigor, vigor, relevance, and innovation. 

Alma Park East Palo Alto, CA | K-6, Science, 2012

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

Alma Suney Park has been an educator for more than 14 years and has taught sixth grade at Eastside College Preparatory School for the past 8 years. Previously, she taught fifth grade at Sunny Hill Elementary School in Carpentersville, IL, and sixth grade mathematics and science for the San Diego Unified School District.  Although she teaches all subjects, Suney particularly enjoys teaching Earth science through driving questions that are relevant to students’ lives and to current environmental issues.  She never tires of witnessing the awe and wonder that the Earth’s systems invoke in her students. Suney hopes that by discovering the grandeur and complexity of their planet her students will develop a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship and a continuing inquisitiveness about the world around them.  Suney has worked with the Teaching Channel to create science and mathematics videos aligned with the Common Core. She is also a Teacher in Residence at Khan Academy, helping other educators implement this innovative educational Web site in their classrooms.  Suney has a B.A. in biological sciences from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in education from the University of Michigan. She holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a supplemental credential in mathematics.

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