The Presidential Award is a tremendous honor that highlights the importance of quality educators in our country. By celebrating great teaching we raise the bar for teachers everywhere and communicate to the public how much we value education, especially STEM education in today's changing world. I am greatly honored that my principal, Sven Gustafson, thought highly enough of my teaching to nominate me for this prestigious award and that the selection committee selected me.

Catherine Walker Anchorage, AK | 7-12, Science, 2015

The official biography below was current at the time of the award. For this awardee's latest biographical information, see their profile page.

Catherine Walker has been teaching Integrated Science at Romig Middle School for the past 10 years, as well as Applied Technology and Health. Catherine fosters student interest in science and supports them in becoming problem solvers and lifelong learners. Students in her classroom gather, analyze, and communicate meaningful data that has an impact on their community. Students explore STEM professions that interest them and learn the skills and knowledge they need to achieve success. Teaching at one of the most diverse middle schools in the country, she feels it is important to inspire traditionally underrepresented students toward STEM careers. Catherine was part of a teacher leader team, completing the three year Creating Teacher Scientists Academy, working closely with scientists at Battelle-Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA, on sustainability issues. She also completed the National Academy of Curriculum Leadership focusing on science education reform. Catherine earned a B.S., cum laude, in biology from Brandeis University and completed the Semester in Environmental Science at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. She earned her M.A.T. from University of Alaska, Anchorage. She is a National Board Certified Teacher.

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