The Presidential Award inspires my students that with effort, perseverance, and motivation, you can achieve your goals. This award has afforded me the opportunity to reflect on the support of other educators, parents, and community members who encourage me to continue to strive for excellence in science instruction. My passion and joy is to bring the excitement of being a scientist to all students. I am filled with gratitude and humility that my energy and high expectations are recognized.

Frances Stang Mahtomedi, MN | K-6, Science, 2014

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

Frances Stang has been an educator for 30 years. She has taught at O.H. Anderson Elementary School for 26 years where she developed the science curriculum and is the fifth grade lead science teacher.  Fran’s passion for developing engaging, rigorous curriculum has created a positive learning environment where students discover the "fun"damentals of science. She intentionally seeks to collaborate with support staff to make sure that every child, from special education to gifted education, is filled with wonder and joy as a curious practitioner of science. As a result of her high energy and enthusiasm, her students become lovers of science and remember the lifelong lessons they learn in her class. She has been selected eight times as an honored teacher at the Academic Excellence Awards for the top graduating seniors.  A believer in outdoor and environmental science, Fran is Chair of the O.H. Anderson Nature Trail Committee. This committee oversees the restoration of the school prairie, promotes trail use and maintenance, and organizes a schoolwide Nature Trail Day. She is currently working with H2O For Life about declining water levels in the community lake. Fran has a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Minnesota and a M.S. in curriculum and development from the University of St. Thomas. She is a certified elementary school teacher.

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