Exemplary teachers often find themselves testing innovative programs or creating something original. In their energetic attempts at forming environments where all students learn, they are sometimes misunderstood. Aspiring to be an exemplary teacher can be hard work, but by receiving the Presidential Award I know that my past hard work has been validated. Also, I know that receiving this award will open more doors in the future for professional change and growth.

Kathleen Hill Whitefish, MT | K-6, Mathematics, 2008

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

Kathleen Hill has spent the last 18 years of her 21-year teaching career at Bissell School in the Flathead County Schools. She teaches third through eighth grade mathematics and seventh and eighth grade science, and she tutors Title 1 students in her mathematics classes. Ms. Hill has high expectations for her students and knows how to motivate them and bring content to life. Students are allowed to ask questions until they understand the subject matter, and she takes the time to listen and guide them. A former student who works in civil engineering credited Ms. Hill with inspiring her to pursue a mathematics-related career. A paraprofessional witnessed a learning community in Ms. Hill's class, where the students were willing to interact both in small-group and whole-class discussions. Expectations were clear and specific; students understood that earning a top grade required exemplary effort. Ms. Hill was a facilitator and curriculum designer for the Elementary Institute for Creating Opportunity in Mathematics for Exemplary Teaching at the Montana Learning Center. As an adjunct faculty member at the University of Great Falls, she taught elementary mathematics methods. She is currently a Math Solutions instructor for Marilyn Burns Education Associates. Ms. Hill has pursued professional development courses with the Activities Integrating Math and Science Education Foundation and Math Solutions. She has also taken courses in problem-solving and technology. She presented the Student Teacher Assessment Resources workshops for the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Ms. Hill was a mentor for e-Mentoring for Student Success and has presented at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Conference. She serves on several committees, including the Mathematics Curriculum, Flathead County Science Fair, Montana State Standards Revision, and Montana Performance Assessment committees. She was a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year in 2000. Ms. Hill has a B.S. in elementary education from Southern Oregon University and an M.S. in mathematics education from Montana State University. She is certified in kindergarten through eighth grade elementary education.

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