Receiving the Presidential Award is incredibly humbling. The award is validation for the countless hours I have spent inside and outside of the classroom fostering creativity and a love for science and engineering in my students. I am extremely honored to receive this award, but it is not mine alone. It is only through the hard work and support of my students, colleagues, family, and community that I am able to devote myself to my passion for teaching and continue to grow and improve my craft.

Rebekah Hammack Stillwater, OK | K-6, Science, 2014

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

Rebekah Hammack has been a science educator at Stillwater Middle School for 10 years. She teaches robotics, environmental engineering, biomedical science, and 3D computer-aided design to sixth and seventh graders. Rebekah is also an Adjunct Professor at Oklahoma State University, where she teaches a middle-level education course for preservice elementary teachers. Rebekah created an after-school engineering mentoring program for girls and teaches at engineering-focused summer camps. Rebekah also started a Technology Student Association chapter at her school and takes students to state and national competitions. Rebekah has received over $90,000 in grants and awards to enhance engineering education in her school and state. She served as the project manager for a Math Science Partnership grant to provide engineering-focused professional development to Oklahoma elementary teachers. Rebekah has also presented professional development at numerous local, state, and national events. Rebekah holds a B.S. in agriculture from The Ohio State University, a M.S. in animal science from Oklahoma State University, and a Ph.D. in science education at Oklahoma State University. She holds National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Science and certifications in fifth through eighth grade science, biological sciences, physical science, and chemistry.

Know a great teacher like Rebekah Hammack?