The Presidential Award signifies growth in my ability to teach students to be great scientific thinkers. It is evident that passion and perseverance will make you a better teacher if you challenge yourself. This award makes me realize how thankful I am for all of the people who have helped and supported me throughout my 13 years in the classroom.  And finally, it pushes me to continue working hard, not only for my students, but also for students and teachers across the State of Oklahoma.

Sarah Vann Owasso, OK | 7-12, Science, 2013

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

Sarah Vann teaches Advanced Physical Science at the Owasso Eighth Grade Center in Owasso, OK. She is in her 13th year of teaching at the middle school level, spending the last 11 years in Owasso.  Sarah has a passion for inspiring her students to share their love for science. After she was awarded the Milken Educator Award in 2011, she undertook more leadership roles in Oklahoma. She served on the Executive Committee for the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science and has been an integral part in the changes happening with science education. Sarah was a part of the OKSci Leadership program, which is a small group of educators who developed leadership projects that will have an impact on science teachers across the state. She is currently serving as a mentor for the new OKSci Leadership class. Whether she is leading professional development in her own district, collaborating with educators across the nation, or speaking to graduates in a commencement speech at her college alma mater, Sarah wants educators to remember the joy of learning and be inspired to take that joy back to their own classrooms. Sarah has a B.S. in science education from Northeastern State University and a M.S. in educational technology from Oklahoma State University. She is certified in biology, earth science, and physical science, and is a National Board Certified Teacher in early adolescence science.

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