The Presidential Award required me to practice the hard and humbling work of reflection and growth as an educator, the same characteristics we require of our students daily. This award reminds me what an inspiration our students are to us, and we must continue to demand of ourselves what we require of them: innovation, creativity, persistence, growth, and problem solving.

Stephanie Giroux Phillips Metamora, MI | K-6, Mathematics, 2020

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

Stephanie Giroux Phillips has been an educator for 20 years. Last year, she taught eighth grade science at the Zemmer 8/9 Campus. She previously taught at Murphy Elementary School for 15 years and Maple Grove Elementary School during her first four years teaching. Her last five years at Murphy Elementary focused on teaching elementary mathematics education to fourth and fifth grade students. As a fourth and fifth grade mathematics teacher, Stephanie focused daily on best practice instruction including data analysis, formative assessment, mathematics partnerships, mathematics discussions, and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. Providing multiple pathways for learners, respecting student’s individual solutions to problems, and valuing EVERY student’s contribution to the thinking and learning of the classroom are the foundations of Stephanie’s mathematical philosophies. Her goals are to help all students believe in themselves and in their abilities, to eliminate mathematics anxiety, and to help them see their own power despite previous self or societal perceptions. Stephanie is the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Educator Award for Lapeer Community Schools and the 2020 Beasley Insurance Agency Outstanding Educator Award. She has been a LAB classroom teacher in mathematics and reading in her district. She has presented on mathematics fluency, virtual lesson planning, and interactive mathematics software at district professional development. She is certified in Math Recovery Add+VantageMR® (AVMR) courses one and two. Stephanie has a B.S., cum laude, in elementary education from Oakland University and an M.A.T. from Marygrove College. She is certified in elementary education and sixth through eighth grade science education.

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