The Presidential Award is a public declaration of the private motivation that pushes great teachers to be better every single day. The award validates passionate teachers who are rarely satisfied and continue to push for excellence in their classroom. It is not possible to achieve perfection within this profession, but satisfaction definitely comes from the journey and a passion for learning. I am honored and humbled to be considered for such an award and I will continue to pursue excellence.

Jason George Caldwell, ID | 7-12, Science, 2015

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

Jason George has been an educator for 14 years. During the last seven years, he has taught middle and high school science at Vision Charter School. He currently teaches 9th–12th grade. Jason loves using argument driven inquiry and project-based learning to teach the scientific process. Students build aquaponics units, use permaculture to understand ecological principles, and explore biomimicry to engage in STEM. Jason teaches Biology, Environmental Studies, Human Biology, Marine Science, and Principles of Fitness and Biomechanics. These courses have been offered to Vision students for both high school and college credit through Boise State University, Northwest Nazarene University, and Stony Brook University. As the Science Department Head and Lead Science Teacher, Jason is responsible to train teachers in best practices at Vision. Jason wrote most of his school’s science curriculum, and he served on the executive committee for the State Department of Education to revise the current Idaho science standards. Jason earned a B.A. in kinesiology education with a minor in biology from Northwest Nazarene University and a M.S. in science education from Montana State University. Jason is a certified teacher in biological sciences 6–12, physical education K–12, and health 6–12. In 2012, Jason was selected to receive the Governor’s Industry Award for Notable Teaching in STEM. 

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