The Presidential Award means that a little girl's dream CAN come true. When I started school, I told my mom that I wanted to be a teacher. Years later, after immigrating to this country and learning a new language, the dream became a reality. This award is proof that all the out-of-the-box ideas, the countless hours of planning and resourcing innovative lessons, and the skills I learned through mentors I have had in my career have made me the best teacher I can be.

Karina Moran Lake Worth, FL | K-6, Mathematics, 2018

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

Karina Moran has been an educator for more than 20 years. She has taught all subjects at the elementary levels and most recently taught the Accelerated Math Plan (AMP) to third, fourth, and fifth grades at Manatee Elementary School. She previously taught at elementary schools around Florida and in New York. She currently serves as the K-8 Mathematics Resource Teacher for Palm Beach County School District. Karina strives to be a lifelong learner who seeks to impart a growth mindset in her students. She has learned through perseverance that dreams can come true. Karina immigrated to the United States from Argentina at the age of 13, not knowing the language or culture, and was determined to make a better future for herself and her family. Karina has presented sessions on innovative uses of manipulatives that create a FUN MATH class experience at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Conference and the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference. She has also presented at the Palm Beach County Council of Teachers of Mathematics where she will be serving as Vice-President for the 2019 and 2020 school years. Karina earned a B.S. in education from Florida International University. She is certified in pre-kindergarten through third grade elementary teaching, first through sixth grade elementary education, and K-12 English for speakers of other languages.

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