Maria Garcia Hawthorne, CA | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

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

Maria “Ms. G.” Garcia has been an educator for 28 years and is currently an assistant principal at Nicolas Junior High School. She won the Presidential Award while teaching at Richard Henry Dana Middle School in the Wiseburn School District. During her years there, she had the opportunity to teach six, seventh, and eighth grade mathematics, as well as serve as a mathematics instructional coach. The first seven years of Maria’s teaching career were spent teaching in the elementary grade levels. As a mathematics teacher, Maria worked to make even the most challenging curriculum relevant and engaging for her students. As Dana’s Mathematics Coach, she shifted the school environment and improved the overall culture of the school through her work with the Dana staff. Maria carefully navigated change by encouraging a more student-focused classroom and creating Math Saturdays and weeknight workshops that encouraged teachers to differentiate instruction in the classroom. She initiated the Girls Who Code STEM club on campus and organized a large initiative fundraising for service dogs by connecting student efforts in mathematics classes to their work in physical education classes. Maria worked endlessly to improve and increase opportunities for all students. She was the author of a grant offered by SteelCase, Co. and created a new student focused, flexible learning lab at Dana. Professionally, Maria has charted an ambitious course pursuing graduate degrees and advancing her knowledge base via extended training. She consistently participates in all learning opportunities to include technology-focused and educationally based conferences and is currently pursuing a doctorate in school leadership.

• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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