Science is the tool I use to encourage students to develop their potential for the future. Receiving the Presidential Award reinforces that I have been able to convey my enthusiasm into life lessons and to help students see that learning and community involvement are lifetime commitments. The Presidential Award challenges me to do more for my students, to become a better teacher, and to try harder to help each student see that every person is important. 

Thomas Smith Casper, WY | 7-12, Science, 2013

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

Thomas Smith has taught seventh grade Earth Science at Dean Morgan Junior High School for the past 12 years.  His previous 16 years were spent teaching Earth Science, Geography, and U.S. History at East Junior High in Casper, Wyoming and science at Inarajan High School in Inarajan, Guam. For three years, he served on the Science Essential Curriculum Design and Implementation Committee for the Natrona County School District #1. He serves as a GPS coordinator where annually students record veterans' graves in a local cemetery and, along with their parents and staff, place flags on graves for Memorial Day. He has also been the East Jr. High field studies coordinator for students in the Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota, and the sponsor of the National Geographic Geography Bee for 16 years. Thomas has field experience in archaeological research in New Mexico, Washington, and Alaska, and has participated in geology and history field studies in Wyoming. He has been involved in historical research on the Casper Mountain Mining District and the student-directed preservation of Cedar Ridge archaeological sites.  Thomas received a B.A. in archaeology, geography, and sociology from Adams State University, an A.S. in geology from Casper College, a B.A. in social studies and secondary education from the University of Wyoming at Casper, and a M.A in educational technology from Lesley University.

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