Earning the Presidential Award is an honor and a privilege. My success as an educator is a testimony to those who have supported me along my path towards science education -- my family, my mentors, my colleagues and, of course, my students. I left the field of science research to become a science educator, and this award confirms that I made the right choice. I will continue to improve my methods, inspire children to love science, and bring honor to those who selected me for this award.

Erin Flynn Honolulu, HI | 7-12, Science, 2013

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

Erin Flynn has taught high school science at Sacred Hearts Academy for the past seven years. She teaches ninth grade Biology and Advanced Placement Biology. Prior to that, she taught ninth grade Honors Biology and 10th grade Biology at Edmonds-Woodway High School in Edmonds, WA for one year. Erin’s courses focus on making science relevant and accessible to all students, which ignites interest and teaches important academic skills. Erin has become a leader during her tenure at Sacred Hearts Academy. As the science department chairperson, Erin coordinates curriculum for grades 7-12 science. She is also a founding member of the Academy’s “Schools of the Future” initiative, which has led to broad pedagogical changes and technology integration in all classes, from grades K-12. A stalwart supporter of modern education, Erin has presented at the Schools of the Future conference in Honolulu. She has supported her peers by offering professional development training sessions focusing on project-based learning and using technology in the classroom. Erin has a B.S. in biology from Bates College and a M.I.T. from the University of Washington. While in Washington, she was certified in secondary education, with additional certifications in biology and general science.

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