Richard Erickson Bayfield, WI | 7-12, Science, 2017

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

Richard Erickson has been teaching for 35 years and has been at Bayfield High School for 25 years. There, he teaches 11-12th-grade Chemistry and Physics, and a science-focused experiential learning alternative education program for 9-12th-grade at-risk students. Previously, he taught for ten years at Mahtomedi High School in Minnesota. Richard collaborates with scientists from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the National Park Service, and Northland College to provide his students with authentic scientific experiences and research opportunities. He facilitates independent student research and encourages his students to participate in science fairs. Richard has worked with the University of Wisconsin to develop a summer program focused on indigenous arts and sciences, targeted toward Native American students. For the past three years, he has coordinated science festival events in the northwest region of the state and has served on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction "Reimagining Science Fairs" committee. Richard was a Minnesota Teacher of the Year Finalist in 1992 and the 2014 Wisconsin High School Teacher of the Year. Richard earned a B.A.S. in teaching physical science from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He is a National Board Certified Teacher and is certified in broad field science, physical science, chemistry, physics, and alternative education.

• High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
• Awardee holding Presidential certificate with National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources Assistant Director, Dr. Karen Marrongelle, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, and National Science Foundation Chief Operating Officer, Dr. F. Fleming Crim
• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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