The Presidential Award represents an honor highlighting and representing my students, family, community, and colleagues, who contributed to the success of my teaching career. This award celebrates innovation and the positive impact that science has on students. In my classroom, I’ve witnessed students receiving hands-on, inquiry-based education through science. As a first generation American, this award is a reminder that representation matters and that diversity is important in STEM education.

Jessica Barbera Honolulu, HI | K-6, Science, 2022

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

Jessica Barbera has been an educator for 11 years and is currently a kindergarten through second grade curriculum coordinator at Jefferson Elementary School, where she previously taught kindergarten for over eight years. She began her education career at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School for one year. Jessica's deep understanding and command of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts, mathematics, NGSS, and Hawaii core standards for social studies is evident in her lessons. She masterfully places science at the center of her thematic units, with English language arts, mathematics, history, and art interwoven into her project-based experiences. When Jessica was in the classroom, she was excellent at incorporating technology and has acquired Osmo kits, Sphero robots, Animation Studios, 3D pens, and Botley robots to enrich the learning of all her kindergarteners. Jessica strives to help every student in her classes reach their highest potential. Differentiation of multi-sensory instructional strategies are built into her lessons and naturally target the learning needs of all her students. As a teacher leader and life learner, Jessica served as a Hawaii state teacher fellowship mentor. She actively participated in professional development opportunities, learning new strategies and project ideas to support her students. Additionally, Jessica paved the way for Jefferson to become one of the first elementary schools in Hawaii to facilitate a Girls Who Code Club. Jessica has a B.A in elementary education from Hawaiʻi Pacific University. She holds a Hawaiʻi Teachers Standards Board license in elementary education. She is certified in kindergarten through sixth grade elementary education.

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