The Presidential Award is a validation of how important it is for making science relevant to children through inquiry and project-based learning. To be considered for this award is truly an honor. It represents the many hours I spend preparing learning experiences, the passion I have for teaching science, and the joy I feel when I see my students work collaboratively and hear them talk with each other about their science thinking.

Marcy Burns Norwalk, OH | K-6, Science, 2014

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

Marcy Burns has been an educator for 19 years and has spent the past 12 years teaching fifth grade science at Main Street Intermediate School. Marcy has taught in a self-contained fifth grade classroom, and was a Title 1 teacher at Pleasant Elementary School in the same district. Marcy challenges her students through inquiry and project-based learning. She guides student curiosity towards discovering and solving problems in the world around them. Marcy has mentored her fifth grade students in Earth system research projects that have received national and international recognition. Marcy seeks out professional development that provides opportunities for her students to collaborate with students and scientists from other places. In 2014 she worked alongside scientists and crew aboard the Environmental Protection Agency Lake Guardian research vessel on Lake Erie. She is a part of the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement satellite mission Master Teachers project. Marcy serves on the District Leadership Team, Building Leadership Team, and Local Professional Development Committee in her school district. She has presented at conferences locally, nationally, and internationally. Marcy has a B.A. in elementary education from Capital University and a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Ashland University. She is certified to teach first grade through eighth grade.

Know a great teacher like Marcy Burns?