The Presidential Award means having the opportunity to share ideas and practices with leaders and decision-makers in education beyond the local level that could have a positive impact on others in the profession. To be selected for this award is an inspiration. It validates that one may achieve positive change through persistence in seeking out professional growth opportunities, and returning to the classroom with lessons learned and the willingness to try new methods, and take risks.

Michael Simoneaux Geismar, LA | 7-12, Science, 2013

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

Michael Simoneaux teaches 12th grade Physics, Honors Physics, and Advanced Placement Physics at Dutchtown High School in Geismar, LA, where he has taught for 11 years. For the previous 10 years, he taught Chemistry and Computer Science at East Ascension High School in Gonzales, LA.  Michael engages his students through immersion in hands-on science activities (learned through workshops at the Exploratorium Teacher Institute in San Francisco) in order to provide meaningful experiences which stimulate curiosity and foster a love of science. He works closely with the LIGO Science Education Center in Livingston, LA, providing assistance with professional development opportunities, and presenting at state and national science teacher conferences. He has been recognized as High School Teacher of the Year by the American Chemical Society, Baton Rouge Area. He is an alumnus of the U.S. Space Foundation, and a member of the Tulane University Alumni Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. Michael received a B.S.Ed. degree from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Music from Southeastern Louisiana University. He is a National Board Certified Teacher in adolescent and young adulthood science. 

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