The Presidential Award is a glowing reminder that perseverance and grit allow growth to occur. The process was rigorous, reflective, and rewarding. I strive to instill a love for learning in my students and allow them to see my passion for teaching mathematics. The incredible group of educators that I work with, the supportive administration that mentors me, and the amazing students that I get to impact are as much a part of this award as I am. The Presidential Award is an unbelievable honor.

Rebecca Van Roekel Brandon, SD | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

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

Rebecca Van Roekel has been an educator for the past 19 years and has spent her last 10 years teaching sixth grade mathematics at Brandon Valley Intermediate School. She taught fifth through eighth grade mathematics and kindergarten through sixth grade Title I at Freeman Elementary School for her first nine years of teaching. Rebecca strives to create a classroom that encourages perseverance and grit. She wants students to take ownership of their learning and advocate for their success. Through engaging activities and continuous feedback, the students strive to learn from their mistakes and maintain a growth mindset. She believes that all students have the innate ability to make progress in mathematics, no matter where they are starting. Rebecca is an active member of the Brandon Valley School District as a representative of the Staff Development Team, Formative Assessment Professional Learning Community (PLC) Team Leader, School Improvement Plan Committee, and a member of the Curriculum Adoption Committee. She has been blessed to be a District Mentor Teacher and a Grade Level Team Leader. She has previously been an SD Counts teacher leader and implemented cognitively-guided instruction in her classroom. Rebecca has a B.A. in elementary education with an endorsement in reading and coaching from Northwestern College. She has an M.S. in curriculum and instruction in mathematics from Black Hills State University. She is certified in elementary education, middle school mathematics, and middle school English language arts.

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