The Presidential Award serves as a tribute to the people who have supported me in this journey. The students I've worked with in the past 25 years are the reasons I am a recipient. It has been one of my greatest pleasures in life to be a teacher. The exceptional colleagues I have worked with have inspired me to strive for improvement. My parents, who are retired teachers, are my role models. My husband and kids, who have shared their time with my school family, are integral to this achievement.

Cassandra Arquette Las Vegas, NV | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

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

Cassandra "Cassie" Arquette began her teaching career at Bay High School in Ohio more than 26 years ago. She currently teaches 10th-12th graders in Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus BC and Calculus III at Ed W. Clark High School in the Academy of Mathematics, Science, Arts, and Technology Magnet Program, where she's been for 13 years, and serves as the Mathematics Department Chair. She also teaches online for Nevada Learning Academy. Cassie has served as an AP Exam Reader for 13 years and is National Board Certified. She has worked as a teacher trainer for the Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program. Cassie creates and leads professional development opportunities like workshops, classes, and presentations at conferences. She participates on task forces for writing syllabi, training teachers, and writing assessments. Cassie’s dedication to her students and colleagues has been affirmed by her designation on the executive board of the Southern Nevada Mathematics Council and as a recipient of an AP Educator Award and a Heart of Education award. Cassie was selected to represent her current district at the National AP Conference to accept the award for AP District of the Year. She is most proud of doubling the number of AP Calculus students at Clark, while also raising scores. Cassie is an advocate for all students as she has worked to open access to higher-level mathematics and to ensure that teachers and students have opportunities to be successful. Her classroom is interactive, with activities that allow students to be active and stay involved in the learning process. Cassie obtained a B.S. in mathematics from Ashland University, where she was awarded the Outstanding Senior in Mathematics award, and an M.Ed. in technology from Northern Arizona University.

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