As a child I was taught to do my best. Receiving the Presidential Award is an affirmation to me, that as a science teacher, I have done my best. Gaining recognition from President Obama and the National Science Foundation has confirmed that my own learning experiences are paying off in a way that is helping my students achieve. I share this award with those that have helped me reach this high accomplishment: my principal, my faculty, the volunteer scientists from UGA and USDA, and my students.

Halley Page Athens, GA | K-6, Science, 2008

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

Halley Page has been teaching in the Clarke County School District for more than 20 years. She has taught gifted classes for the last six years and is currently teaching science literacy to first through fifth graders at Fowler Drive Elementary School. She has also taught in Florida and South Carolina. Each year Ms. Page designs a community event that centers on science. At the most recent event, stations were situated around the school for students to investigate, explore, or create a product involving astronomy. She invited volunteers to facilitate each station, including scientists from the University of Georgia and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Students, parents, and teachers participated with enthusiasm. Ms. Page's commitment to the education profession and science is described as truly remarkable. She is student-centered and establishes high expectations for students. She prepares engaging, hands-on activities for her students and participates in a variety of projects that enhance her own knowledge as well as that of her colleagues and students. She also shares information regarding science initiatives and available resources with other teachers. Ms. Page founded and sponsors the school's Garden Earth Naturalists Club. As a result of her commitment to recycling, Fowler Drive Elementary School has been designated as a "green" school for the past four years. Ms. Page is active in State and national education associations, has made multiple presentations at conferences, and has attended numerous workshops and trainings. She has also participated in professional development travel programs in North and South America, including the Galápagos Islands. In 2008 Ms. Page was named Elementary Science Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Science Teachers Association. She has also been honored as the Fowler Drive Teacher of the Year and the Georgia Association of Marine Educators Teacher of the Year. Ms. Page has a B.S. in elementary education from Georgia Southern College and an Ed.S. and M.Ed. in elementary education from the University of Georgia. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with P5 mathematics and gifted endorsements, and she is certified in T6 early childhood education.

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