The Presidential Award honors the valuable work, dedication, and love that I pour into my students and my craft. This award validates the importance of innovative mathematical teaching in every classroom, but especially my kindergarten classroom. I am honored to receive this reward and represent my school and district.

Elizabeth Baranov Mobile, AL | K-6, Mathematics, 2020

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

Elizabeth "Nicole" Baranov has been an educator in the Mobile County Public School System for 15 years. She is currently teaching kindergarten at Hutchens Elementary School, where she has taught for the past 10 years. She began her teaching career at Kate Shepard Elementary School, where she taught kindergarten for five years. Nicole's philosophy in teaching is to build relationships and then to encourage students to work together as leaders and problem solvers. Nicole plans innovative and exciting mathematical lessons that allow students to be facilitators of their own learning. Nicole is passionate about teaching her students how to have mathematical discourse in her classroom to allow better understanding of mathematical concepts. Nicole's commitment to being a lifelong learner is evident in her participation in professional learning communities and curriculum development for her district in mathematics. Along with her role as a teacher, Nicole serves on the National Board Certified Teacher steering committee for the district and as a mentor to potential candidates. Nicole has a B.S. in elementary education and a reading specialist master’s degree from the University of South Alabama. She is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist.

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