The Presidential Award is a way of validating my work as an educator. The students challenge me to transform learning spaces into new opportunities to create, explore, and investigate in science. I am always seeking non-traditional projects in order to innovate and do research beyond the classroom. This award opens opportunities to build partnerships with colleagues that promote scientific research, critical thinking in students, and to make a difference to achieve better education every day.

Minnuette Rodríguez Harrison San Juan, PR | 7-12, Science, 2021

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

Minnuette Rodríguez has been a science educator for over 22 years and currently teaches 9th-12th grade students at the Julián E. Blanco Specialized School of Ballet, where she has taught for more than 12 years. She previously taught at José M. Lázaro High School and Juan Ponce de León Montessori Middle School. Minnuette currently teaches Earth Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. Minnuette's students engage in research projects related to climate change and its impact in Puerto Rico. Students publish the journal Utopia to showcase their participation in the Youth Climate Strike, activities promoting environmental conservation, and the commitment with Earth Charter, a global movement to promote sustainable development and global citizenship. As part of an NSF initiative, Minnuette participated in professional development activities that were generated within the context of the solid waste management problem in Puerto Rico. She has published some of her classroom initiatives and is one of the authors of a book on climate change. She has presented her work in various local and nationwide meetings. Minnuette is a valuable resource for the Center for Science and Math Education Research from the University of Puerto Rico where she mentors other science teachers. Minnuette earned a B.A. in secondary education in general sciences from the University of Puerto Rico and an M.Ed. in environmental education from the Metropolitan University. She is certified in environmental and general science and possesses a Master Science Teacher Certification. She was recognized with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)'s Lucy Gaspar Award for Excellence in Science Education and with the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators.

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