The Presidential Award is the highest recognition that a K-12 educator can aspire to receive. The selection criteria encompass all the components of exemplary teaching. It recognizes and celebrates dedication to ongoing professional growth and community service at its best. My educational journey began with inspiring instructors and mentorship from dedicated colleagues. It continues as I strive for incremental growth and endeavor to share the power and promise of mathematics with my students.

Laszlo Nagy Weston, FL | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

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

Laszlo Nagy has been a high school mathematics teacher for over 44 years, spending more than 14 years at Cypress Bay High School, where he teaches 10th-12th grades. He has previously taught at various high schools in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Laszlo’s focus has been to instill a thirst for knowledge and love of mathematics in his students. He engages students with active learning strategies and leverages technology to promote conceptual understanding. Throughout his tenure, Laszlo has employed innovative instructional approaches such as the use of calculator-based laboratory technology for interdisciplinary lessons that connect mathematics to science and the world around us. Laszlo creates a growth mindset culture that fosters a safe environment for students to make mistakes, explore their causes, and grow from these in-depth enquiries. A lighthearted, fun, yet purposeful atmosphere pervades the classroom. Laszlo’s enthusiasm for mathematics is a hallmark of his teaching. In 2011, he was named Western High School’s Teacher of the Year and was honored as the Broward County Council of Teachers of Mathematics Teacher of the Year. Since 2016, he has served as Lead Teacher for the Broward County Public Schools Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus District Learning Community. In this capacity, he supports new AP Calculus teachers and helps shape the learning and collaborative activities of the group. Laszlo became a College Board endorsed AP Calculus workshop consultant in 2018. In this role, he has presented workshops nationwide, sharing resources and best practices. Laszlo earned a B.S. in education and an M.S. in mathematics education, both from Florida International University. He has held National Board Certification in secondary mathematics since 2001.

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