The Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science Teaching is an absolute honor for me. I became a teacher because I wanted to share my love of learning with children. Each day that I am able to teach mathematics and science concepts to my students is a great day. This recognition is for them as much as for me, because without my students and colleagues, who continually teach me so much, I would have never been able to receive this award. Thank you for this recognition.

Michele Brees SeaTac, WA | K-6, Mathematics, 2008

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

Michele Brees has taught mathematics and science for more than 10 years. For the past four years, she has taught fifth grade mathematics and other subjects at Madrona Elementary School in Highline School District 401. Ms. Brees has facilitated the training and implementation associated with the new mathematics curriculum, Investigations, and is considered a strong leader in improving mathematics instruction. She was among the first teachers to be trained in First Steps materials and subsequently has provided training to other teachers. A participant in the Math Studio Residency, she is praised as a dedicated educator who has had a tremendously positive impact on the mathematics instructional practices in the school and district. Colleagues laud her effective presentations and workshops. Ms. Brees's classroom supports inquiry, collaboration, and risk taking. Students flourish in her classroom, interacting with each other frequently and learning to explain, justify, and generalize their mathematics reasoning. She holds individual and small-group conferences to help students deepen their understanding of concepts and seeks better ways to meet the needs of her students and to apply best practices in mathematics teaching. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Ms. Brees serves on the district Math Summit Committee and plays an active role in planning and conducting the family mathematics and literacy nights. She has also participated in the revision of the science curriculum to meet State and district standards, mathematics instruction development, and school safety activities. She is involved in extracurricular programs and facilitates the Walking in Steps for Health program. Ms. Brees is also the recipient of the Elementary Teacher of the Year award for her district. Ms. Brees has a B.S. from Brigham Young University and an M.Tech in Education from Lesley College. She is certified in kindergarten through eighth grade elementary education.

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