The Presidential Award celebrates the dedication and exceptional abilities of teachers who inspire students and narrow the national innovation gap through hands-on science, using the 21st century skills of critical and creative thinking, communication, and collaboration. It illuminates what is good about teaching and challenges us all to continue the pursuit of excellence in the classroom. It is truly an honor to be named among those who have received this prestigious award.  Thank you.

Denise Scribner Goddard, KS | 7-12, Science, 2015

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

Denise Scribner has been empowering youth for 40 years with her high energy and “all-in” innovative approach to education. Denise honed her engaging attitude to teaching during 31 years as a staff member with Girl Scouts of the USA, spending countless hours supporting STEM and outdoor education initiatives. She has spent the past nine years at Eisenhower High School teaching grades 9–12 Ecology, Biology, and Forensic Crime Science-Career and Technical Law Enforcement classes. Knowing that student engagement drives science innovation, Denise adapts to meet the needs of students and our society by integrating current and projected environmental issues into her lessons and into action. This dedication has resulted in achieving the Green Flag Eco-Schools USA, U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, and Kansas Green Schools of Excellence awards. Her students graduate as environmentally literate citizens, advocating for what is best for their world. Well beyond her remarkable work in Goddard Public Schools, Denise has been nationally published, has presented at numerous professional development workshops, and has served on a statewide committee to create the Environmental Literacy Plan for Kansas. Denise earned a B.S. in secondary education from Emporia State University and is Kansas licensed and certified in biology, zoology, and physical education.  

Know a great teacher like Denise Scribner?