To be considered as a recipient of our Nation’s highest honor for teachers of mathematics and science is the culmination of my journey from engineer to master teacher. I am deeply indebted to my outstanding teachers, who ignited my passion for science and mathematics. I’m pleased to pay it forward with my students and share this honor with our entire learning community of children, parents, and inspirational colleagues.

James Larson Salt Lake City, UT | 7-12, Science, 2011

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

Jim Larson has taught middle school science and mathematics at J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School for the past 8 years. He spent the previous 21 years as a petroleum engineer with Equity Oil Company in Salt Lake City, UT. Jim’s experience in petroleum engineering provides him with a unique and extensive background knowledge of geology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. His content background and pedagogical approach provide students with opportunities for the integration of science and mathematics in authentic problem-solving applications. Sharing a love and passion for scientific inquiry with his students is a standard in Jim’s classroom. He serves as co-coordinator for the Diocesan Science Fair for Catholic Schools and is on the planning committee for the Salt Lake Valley Science and Engineering Fair. In addition to his classroom teaching assignments, Jim serves as the school's Vice Principal. He was honored by his colleagues as the Cosgriff Outstanding Employee for the 2009-2010 school year. Jim has a B.S. in petroleum engineering from the University of Wyoming. He is certified in secondary education with endorsements in middle-level science and mathematics.

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