It is a great honor to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. My colleagues and I at Jayno Adams Elementary and the dedicated teachers in Waterford and throughout the State of Michigan work tirelessly and go above and beyond to provide quality learning for children. The Presidential Award shows that our President and many others value our hard work, our passion, and our future: the students.

Jon Phillips Waterford, MI | K-6, Mathematics, 2008

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

Jon Phillips has been teaching for seven years. He has spent the past five years in a first and second grade multiage, all-subjects classroom at Jayno Adams Elementary School in the Waterford School District. Mr. Phillips is described as an outstanding educator with an exceptional ability to differentiate instruction among students with varying abilities. His teaching techniques are original and inventive. Considered a leader in the education field, he always keeps students engaged in the lessons and lays a solid foundation for lifelong learning. His classroom is cited as a model for other teachers in the school and district, as well as for university students. Mathematics is Mr. Phillips's passion, and he makes it exciting for students of all ability levels. He is always available to provide support for those students needing further practice in a learning modality. For those students who meet expectations, he raises the bar and offers higher learning opportunities. In addition to his remarkable skills as a teacher, he has the patience and understanding required for working with young children. Mr. Phillips is committed to professional development and has taken reading and writing courses at the Waterford Institute of Teaching. He has also taken trainings and workshops on computer software, bully-proofing, "Love and Logic," and other topics. He is equally committed to serving his school and community. His assignments and responsibilities include chair of the Diversity Committee, mathematics tutor and Math Learning Center Coordinator, and Curriculum Alignment Presenter. Mr. Phillips's work has been recognized by the Oakland University Alumni Association, Who's Who of American Teachers 2005, and the Walter P. Chrysler Closing the Technology Gap in Education award. Mr. Phillips has a B.S. in elementary education from Oakland University and an M.A. in teaching from Marygrove College. He has a professional certificate in kindergarten through eighth grade with a sixth through eighth grade endorsement in science.

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