The Presidential Award honors not only my contribution to mathematics, but that of my incredible colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure equitable experiences for students in our public school system. It represents the recognition of the work we do as educators to create access and joy for our students. I am deeply honored to be a part of a group of distinguished teachers who care and uplift our students by recognizing their brilliance and empowering them through rich educational opportunities.

Jessica Tilli Philadelphia, PA | K-6, Mathematics, 2020

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

Jessica Lauer Tilli has been an educator for more than 13 years and is currently serving as a Math Curriculum Specialist for the Philadelphia School District. She previously worked at William M. Meredith Elementary School for 12 years where she taught middle school mathematics and science for seven years and then served as the school-based teacher leader for five years, focused on improving mathematics instruction for kindergarten through eighth grades. In her current position, she writes curriculum, provides professional learning for teachers and leaders, and is leading the charge to prioritize early mathematics in her district. Jessica believes deeply that every child, regardless of zip code, deserves the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in mathematics. She is a fierce advocate for creating access for students in Philadelphia and most recently led a team of educators to develop a Comprehensive Guide for Early Mathematics that will be implemented in the upcoming school year. Jessica's love of teaching goes beyond the classroom. She has volunteered for the past 13 years as a Students Run Philly Style mentor, training alongside students for a variety of races including the Philadelphia Marathon. Jessica serves on the board of Students Run Philly Style and the Urban Affairs Coalition. Jessica earned a B.A., cum laude, in psychology from Goucher College and an M.Ed., summa cum laude, from Arcadia University. She was also a STEM Fellow with the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently a doctoral student at Temple University studying Educational Leadership. She is a certified elementary school teacher and is certified in Middle Years Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics.

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