The Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching is the highest honor a teacher can receive. This award reaffirms my belief that student understanding of the process and nature of science is profoundly important. I am continuously motivated by the gifted young men that I teach, and to be honored for my work with students who will surely rank among the finest science professionals is both humbling and gratifying. Thank you for this recognition.

Jeanne Kaidy Rochester, NY | 7-12, Science, 2009

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

Jeanne Kaidy has been an educator for 12 years and teaches Biology and Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science at McQuaid Jesuit High School. She serves as Chair of the Science Department and is also an adjunct instructor of Environmental Science at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY. Jeanne designs science lessons that integrate the principles of Jesuit education with inquiry and authentic assessment. Students respond enthusiastically to these methods, using statistical methods for collecting and analyzing data in the field, creating their own field protocols, and developing analytical skills through projects that use a holistic approach to problem solving. Of the seven Jesuit schools in New York State, Jeanne's students consistently achieve the greatest number of 4's and 5's on the AP Environmental Science exam. Jeanne has been a reader for the AP Environmental Science exam for 6 years and a College Board Consultant for 3 years, facilitating workshops and sharing her innovative lessons and classroom practices with novice and experienced AP Environmental Science teachers. Jeanne has a B.S. in Biology from the State University of New York at Brockport and an M.S. in Secondary Education from Nazareth College of Rochester.

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