The Presidential Award is an opportunity for educators passionate about their teaching to take their craft to a higher level for their students and colleagues. I am honored and humbled to be among educators who share their love of teaching science and want to improve their instruction through innovation and leadership. I believe that teaching science is a way to engage all learners. To ignite the spark of learning and see the light of discovery in a child's eye is very rewarding.

Julie Neidhardt Mobile, AL | K-6, Science, 2014

The official biography below was current at the time of the award. For this awardee's latest biographical information, see their profile page.

Julie Neidhardt has been an educator for 18 years in the Mobile County Public School System. In 2014, she taught third grade at Dawes Intermediate School. She is currently serving the same community, teaching second grade at Hutchens Elementary School. She began her teaching career at Semmes Elementary School in Mobile County. Julie's enthusiasm for teaching translates into innovative lessons that promote student engagement for all learners. She has a passion for science that is evident in her classroom and beyond. During her career, she initiated and co-facilitated an after-school astronomy club for third through fifth grades. She is a lifelong learner and participates in professional learning communities and curriculum development in science for her district. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Julie is a trainer for her district. She works with teachers to provide hands-on, brain-based strategies for the K–12 classroom. She is also certified as a Sally Ride Science trainer, and was selected to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. Julie has a B.S. in geology from the University of South Alabama and a M.A.T. from Spring Hill College. She is a National Board Certified Middle Childhood Generalist. Julie is currently working on her certification in instructional leadership at the University of West Alabama. She is certified in elementary education.

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