The Presidential Award affirms the importance of the teaching profession. Regardless of age, economic, or social background, our job is to enlighten the student mind; give him/her the power to find answers and the ability to know where to look. Teachers prepare students; not just for college, the military or the job market, but for the rest of their lives. Personally, this accolade not only honors the teacher, but all those who had an impact on the teacher’s life.

Julie Harp Easton, MD | 7-12, Science, 2013

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

Julie Matthews Harp has taught 8th grade science at Mace's Lane Middle School in Dorchester County for the past two years. She previously spent 19 years teaching secondary science for Talbot County Public Schools, which included Easton High School. For the past three summers, Julie has been the director of instruction for the Maryland Summer Center Gifted and Talented Program at Horn Point. This program is designed for students demonstrating outstanding aptitude in science. Students work collaboratively on academically rigorous activities that enhance critical thinking skills. Julie has been the lead teacher for the pilot program Partnership for Success, which provides support to students who have not reached their academic goals. Julie is helping students bridge the gap between middle and high school. Julie has been a master teacher for the Educator Effectiveness Academy and for College and Career Readiness Conferences, and was also a 2008 Maryland Teacher of the Year finalist and the Air Force Association (Baltimore Chapter) Teacher of the Year in 2009. To impart real-life lessons to her students, Julie recently participated in Honeywell Educators at Space Academy, with 45 hours of intensive classroom and laboratory time, focusing on space science and exploration. Julie graduated cum laude with a B.S. in biology and a M.Ed. from Salisbury University. She is certified in biology, grades 7-12.

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