The Presidential Award represents part of an amazing journey I have had and hope to continue. It honors the help and dedication of colleagues, friends, family, and students who have supported and challenged me to learn, create, inspire, and push myself as an educator. The field of education is constantly changing, but it will always be about people. This award celebrates the critical work of science and engineering educators in supporting students in understanding and helping our global society.

Jay Garvey Shah Sun Prairie, WI | K-6, Science, 2016

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

Jay Garvey Shah has been teaching for 15 years, most recently teaching fifth grade at Creekside Elementary School. Next year, Jay will be teaching sixth grade mathematics and science at the International Community School of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Jay has taught in the U.S. and abroad, including at the American International School of Kuwait, and as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal. He was a National Science Foundation GK-12 Teaching Fellow with the University of Colorado at Boulder's Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory. Jay is a chemical engineer and received an Environmental Protection Agency grant for small-scale water filter research. Passionate about bringing these experiences to the classroom, Jay inspires students to see science and engineering as ways to help the world. Jay received an Outstanding Educator Award from the 100 Black Men organization and is a recipient of the Franklin H. Williams’ Returned Peace Corps Volunteers award for commitment to community service. He has led education workshops, published lessons, and served on the Wisconsin State Science Standards Writing Committee. Jay earned a B.S. in chemical engineering and a M.S. in civil/environmental engineering, both from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He also holds a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from George Mason University. He is certified to teach first through eighth grade.

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