The Presidential Award is a celebration of the art and science of teaching. The talented and passionate teachers that I had from kindergarten through college inspired me to go into this field. The support of caring and thoughtful colleagues helped me stay committed to this career path. The wonder and excitement of my students makes me excited to go to work each day. I am so grateful to these teachers, my students, their families, and my own family--I share this great honor with all of them.

Erin Flynn Roslindale, MA | K-6, Science, 2008

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

Erin Flynn has been teaching for eight years in urban public schools. She is currently a science specialist for kindergarten through fifth grade at John D. Philbrick Elementary School, which is part of Boston Public Schools. She also serves as a teacher leader within the district. Mrs. Flynn started her teaching career with Teach for America, working in an under-resourced public school in Atlanta, GA, and mentoring recent college graduates during a five-week training program at Teach for America's summer institute. An elementary school science specialist, Mrs. Flynn engages kindergarten through fifth grade students in inquiry-based instruction that incorporates science curriculum standards as well as mathematics and literacy objectives. She has planned and delivered full-day teacher workshops on connecting science and literacy and on three science kits. She also co-instructed a graduate-level physics course at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Mrs. Flynn is described as a highly intelligent, gifted, and perceptive teacher with a thirst for knowledge. An exemplary science teacher, colleague, and leader, she is seen as a tremendous asset to her school and community. Mrs. Flynn has shared her science and teaching skills with the community by collaborating with the Boston Nature Center to enrich the science curriculum and building partnerships with the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Boston, and Arnold Arboretum. Mrs. Flynn has participated in professional development courses that train teachers to model exceptional science instruction and become catalysts for change. She received the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence in 2008. Mrs. Flynn has a B.A. in psychology from Colgate University and an M.A. in child development from Tufts University. She has also completed the requirements for an M.Ed. with science specialization from Northeastern University. She is certified in early childhood and elementary education.

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