The Presidential Award acknowledges educators who tirelessly showcase best practices, innovation, and positive relationships in the science classroom. For me, this award illustrates my mission to empower and elevate my profession as an educator and science teacher. In addition, it means I can continue to use my teacher voice to be an influential ambassador for science education in my state and country. 

Jessica Anderson Deer Lodge, MT | 7-12, Science, 2015

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

Jessica Anderson has been a teacher for the past eight years, currently teaching 9th grade Earth Science, and 11th and 12th grade Chemistry and Physics in Powell County High School. In 2015, she was granted a leave of absence to work as a Blended Learning Instructional Coach for BetterLesson, applying her expertise in science instruction and blended learning while virtually coaching educators across the country. Jessica prides herself on developing citizen scientists. Living in the largest Superfund site in North America, her students use inquiry to analyze stream and soil quality. Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom; her students connect with scientists and students from around the world. Jessica’s awards include 2016 Montana Teacher of the Year, the National Education Association Teaching Excellence Award, a Gold Star Award for Teaching Excellence, and the 2015 PBS Lead Digital Innovator. She was selected by BetterLesson as one of 11 Blended Learning Master Teachers in the U.S. for a $15,000 stipend to share her blended learning practices. Jessica earned a B.A.E. in elementary education from Pacific Lutheran University and a M.S. in science education from Montana State University. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in learning, instruction, and innovation from Walden University. She is certified to teach kindergarten through 8th grade, and 9–12 science.

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