Being recognized for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is a culmination of teacher mentors and students during my tenure who have been influential in the development of my instruction. I am honored to be part of a cohort of educators whose passion and commitment to students is unwavering. This award propels me to keep challenging myself and my students, share my love of science, and model lifelong learning.

Kristin Michalski East Troy, WI | 7-12, Science, 2021

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

Kristin Michalski served for 31 years as a science teacher, before recently retiring. She spent the most recent 10 years of her career at East Troy High School, after teaching at both Arrowhead High School and Mukwonago High School. Throughout her career as a science teacher and science team leader, Kristin enjoyed providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship for both veteran and new teachers. Her current academic course load included teaching grades 9th-12th in Physics, Advanced Placement Physics, Physical Science, and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Principles of Engineering. All of Kristin’s courses facilitated the exploration of scientific phenomena and encouraged critical thinking beyond the classroom. To provide an authentic science research experience for her rural students, Kristin facilitated the East Troy High School Science Research Internship, an informal partnership between the East Troy High School and Raicu Labs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Before she retired, her physics students participated in the UW-Madison Outreach “Wonders of Physics” video contest, winning several awards. Kristin has a strong commitment to professional outreach. She is the co-coordinator of the Milwaukee Area Physics Share group, she co-chaired the 2015 Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST) conference, and was a teacher mentor for the UW-Milwaukee Research Experience for Teachers. She is the current President for WSST. Kristin received her B.S. in broadfield science from UW-Milwaukee and her M.S. in teaching from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She is certified in physics, broadfield science, earth and space science, and biology/life science. In addition, she is a National Board Certified Teacher.

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