The Presidential Award is a celebration of my journey as an educator. Earning the award validates all the hard work of the excellent staff I have had the privilege to learn and connect with through the years as we’ve supported all of our students. This award is an honor that reaffirms my commitment to learning and reflecting on my practice, collaborating with my colleagues, and supporting beginning teachers to ensure effective teaching in the classroom that results in learning for all students.

Maria Granadillo Cedar Rapids, IA | 7-12, Mathematics, 2017

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

Maria “Gabby” Granadillo has been an induction coach with the Grant Wood Area Education Agency Induction Consortium program since fall 2018. From 2010-2018, she taught eighth-grade mathematics at McKinley Middle School. Previously, Gabby worked almost 20 years in the engineering field as a project engineer. Gabby feels her duty extends beyond just teaching mathematics. She has taught her students that mathematicians work collaboratively and actively learn from their mistakes. She has encouraged them to take ownership of their learning, supporting them to reflect on their level of understanding in order to map their path toward success. Gabby has also demonstrated commitment to the profession through her work with curriculum development and leadership programs at both her building and at the district level throughout her teaching career. Presently, Gabby supports the growth and development of 14 first and second-year teachers, grades 6-12, from urban and rural school districts within the Grant Wood Area Education Agency in Iowa. Gabby earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University Institute of the National Armed Forces in Venezuela, a Mathematics Teaching Certification in secondary education from the University of Iowa, and a M.A. in education with effective teaching emphasis from Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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