As I reflect upon this Presidential Award, I am humbled to be honored for work that I love. The witness and encouragement of my family and colleagues inspire me to continually improve. The energy, perseverance, and faith of my students provide an enjoyable and dynamic learning environment. What a blessing it is to have a profession that is more than a job, but also a vocation!

Hugh Ross Noblesville, IN | 7-12, Science, 2015

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

As a science educator for 23 years, Hugh Ross has taught at Guerin Catholic High School for 10 years. He currently teaches Academic, Honors, and Engineering Physics. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. Hugh uses the findings from physics education research to continually improve classroom instruction. He is a workshop leader in Modeling Instruction, an inquiry-based pedagogy proven to enhance student learning through the development and deployment of scientific models. He also implements goals-based instruction, focusing on innovative feedback and assessment practices. Hugh is very proud of Science Expo, a recent outreach activity at an inner city grade school in Indianapolis, IN. He and his students presented science demonstrations including a Van de Graaff generator, a bed of nails, and a hovercraft. The principal of the school said, “It was a great day! I lost track of how many students told me ‘Science is cool!’ and are already asking to do it again.” Hugh earned his B.S., with highest honors, in aerospace engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He completed a M.S. in aeronautical and astronautical engineering at Purdue University. Hugh found his passion in teaching as a graduate student and returned to Purdue to earn a M.S. in education. He is certified to teach mathematics and science in grades 5–12.

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