The Presidential Award commends the many teachers who invest sacrificially in their jobs. It is a celebration for Deaf Education, as it validates that Deaf students of all levels can learn rigorous content and engage in critical discussions equivalent to their hearing peers when information is fully accessible via American Sign Language. I am honored to serve in America's education system and be given this prestigious award. I gladly share this honor with all who helped make it possible.

Elizabeth Henderson Riverside, CA | K-6, Science, 2018

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

Elizabeth Henderson, an educator for seven years, has taught at California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) since 2012. She currently teaches sixth through eighth grade earth science, life science, and physical science. As lead science teacher, Elizabeth has been the Science/Engineering Fair Coordinator since 2014. She presented at California Educators of the Deaf and at Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers. In addition, she is featured in the article “Addressing the Common Core State Standards with the Deaf." Deaf herself, she is passionate about high quality instruction in American Sign Language/English. Elizabeth recently coauthored “The Vibrating Universe: Astronomy for the Deaf” in the Journal of Science Education and Technology. Currently, she collaborates with University of California, Los Angeles scholars, providing curriculum feedback. Lastly, she develops student friendly NGSS posters for the deaf, and participates on the “Going Green” committee in effort to make CSDR a fully “green” campus. She holds a B.A. and M.A., both summa cum laude, in deaf education from California State University Fresno (CSUF), as well as her Multiple Subject and Deaf Educational Specialist credentials. She is bestowed with the CSUF Presidential scholarship, the Top Dog Undergraduate and Graduate awards, and CSUF Dean’s Medal finalist.

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