The Presidential Award is an incredible honor, and validates the time and energy I’ve put into understanding and implementing mathematics in my classroom. It is simply amazing to be recognized for doing what I love best - educating young children! I strive to build a community of learners within which my students can be confident problem solvers. I am excited to share this award with my colleagues and my family, all of whom have supported my career and my passion for being a lifelong learner.

Laura Bivins Ridgeland, MS | K-6, Mathematics, 2020

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

Laura Bivins has been a kindergarten teacher for 28 consecutive years and hopes she will continue teaching kindergarten for years to come! She loves the tremendous amount of growth her young students achieve, and she shares in their unabashed joy as they become fluent readers and confident mathematicians. She currently teaches at Ann Smith Elementary School, and has been there for nine years. Prior, she taught at Madison Station Elementary, Kosciusko Lower Elementary, Oak Hill Academy, and Clinton Park Elementary Schools. Laura is known for using developmentally appropriate and engaging lessons and incorporating best practices for young learners. Her classroom operates like a beehive, with students simultaneously participating in hands-on activities. She routinely integrates the arts into her classroom and feels as if this helps her meet each student’s individual needs. Laura also works closely with the district mathematics coordinator to plan and implement mathematics centers that are engaging and that help move students forward. She provides early morning STEM Bins for her students to explore thematic STEAM challenges, by which they continue to amaze her with their resourcefulness and their problem solving abilities. With her district motto being, "Moving the Mark, Mark of Excellence", Laura certainly strives for excellence for her students. Laura was named Ann Smith Elementary's Teacher of the Year and Madison County Teacher of the Year in 2018. She earned a B.S. in elementary education with a concentration in kindergarten through eighth grade remedial reading and an M.Ed. in elementary education, both from Mississippi College. Laura is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist.

Know a great teacher like Laura Bivins? Nominate them for PAEMST!