The Presidential Award provides recognition to teachers who are passionate about teaching mathematics and science, and are able to teach effectively. For me this award is the result of the opportunities and experiences given to me by administrators and coworkers who have encouraged me to be innovative in my teaching practices. The support I’ve experienced, in addition to my students' successes, has helped shape my practices as a teacher. I am humbled by this honor and accept it with them in mind.

Barbara Leise Des Moines, IA | K-6, Mathematics, 2010

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

Barbara Leise has been an elementary teacher in Iowa for 21 years. For the last 13 years, she has been teaching kindergarten through first grade multiage at The Downtown School in the Des Moines Public School District. Previously, Barbara taught at Longfellow Elementary in Des Moines, IA, and at Bloomer Elementary in Council Bluffs, IA. One of Barbara’s favorite parts of teaching young children is their intuitive mathematical ability. When they are provided with different problem types, they can explain their thinking and learn from each other’s strategies; she finds it exciting to be part of their progression. In addition to the responsibilities of her classroom, Barbara has served as an adjunct professor to Drake University, teaching Research Supported Approaches to Mathematics. She supports the State initiative of training Iowa teachers in Cognitively Guided Instruction by providing summer training. She has provided State-level professional development and has been a mentor to both preservice and beginning teachers. She serves on the leadership team for her school. Barbara has a B.S in elementary education from Iowa State University and an M.A. in early childhood education from Drake University. She is certified to teach prekindergarten through sixth grade elementary curriculum.

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