The Presidential Award represents national recognition and appreciation for teachers dedicated to the creative and engaging process of education, with the goal of success and empowerment for the next generation of citizens of the community, the nation, and the world. I am honored to be acknowledged in this way.

Gretel von Bargen Sammamish, WA | 7-12, Science, 2013

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

Gretel von Bargen teaches 11th and 12th grade International Baccalaureate Biology at Skyline High School. For 13 years she has motivated students with engaging lessons and an infectious curiosity for biology Her classes are infused with multiple interactive methods to support science learning, including music, dance, games, and modeling. Her lessons are authentic; students regularly perform and analyze their own science experiments in the classroom and the field. Gretel says, “I want my students to be engaged in their learning and to appreciate how inspiring the natural world can be. When I am enthusiastic about teaching, my students are enthusiastic about learning.” Gretel serves on the Professional Educators Advisory Board for the University of Washington College of Education. She facilitates the New Teacher Academy, a districtwide mentoring program for new secondary teachers and serves as coach in two Skyline High School professional learning communities. She received the 2010 Presidential Scholar Teacher Recognition Award and the Sammamish, WA 2011 Learning Promotion Award. Gretel has a B.S. in zoology, a B.S. in psychology, and a Master's degree in Teaching, all from the University of Washington. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in adolescent and young adult science. 

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