From an early age, I was taught the importance of education. To receive an award because of my work as an educator is quite a special honor. The support and encouragement from my family and colleagues during this process has been greatly appreciated. It has also been a humbling process, as I have been able to experience the outstanding things going on in my colleagues' classrooms. Also, my students are a constant reminder of the ultimate reason for our profession and, for this, I thank them.

Michael Conklin Spokane Valley, WA | 7-12, Mathematics, 2013

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

Michael Conklin has been an educator for 19 years and has spent the last 10 years teaching all levels at University High School for the Central Valley School District. He spent the previous nine years making stops at the University of Maryland, Durham School of the Arts, and Brixner Junior High School in Klamath Falls, OR. He currently serves as the mathematics department chair at University and respects the dedication and professionalism of his colleagues. Michael has taught a variety of courses throughout his career, from eighth grade mathematics to Advanced Placement Calculus. He has also taught drawing and served as a yearbook adviser. Michael enjoys bringing a visual take on math to the classroom whenever possible (and an occasional song or two). He is certified in art education and is working toward certification to teach computer science. Michael continues to explore ways to improve his teaching, taking courses on assessment and standards-based grading. He has served on a number of local and state committees, but feels most at home in the classroom. Michael has a B.S.Ed. in mathematics education from the University of Idaho and a M.A. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Maryland. He is certified in mathematics education grades 7-12, art education grades K-12, and is National Board Certified in adolescence and young adulthood mathematics.

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