The Presidential Award means recognition not only for my journey as a mathematics teacher but for the importance of math at a primary level. In most instances, the importance of this subject is focused on the grades that complete state-required testing, but winning this award reminds us that learners of all ages are mathematicians and able to do impressive things when given space.

Sarah Flippen Ruther Glen, VA | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

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

Sarah Flippen has taught for 10 years at Madison Elementary School. She currently teaches all subjects as a second grade teacher. Previously, Sarah taught all subjects of kindergarten and then served as a mathematics coach, where she focused her expertise on supporting the primary grades and encouraging a love of mathematics. Sarah challenges her students with mathematics tasks, number sense routines, different manipulatives, and real-world connections to help students feel excited and value their mathematical learning. In past years, with the influence of some of her fellow educators, Sarah planned and implemented a mathematics day for her kindergartners. The students engaged in mathematics games, activities, and challenges while celebrating their love for the subject. Sarah also led the kindergarten Professional Learning Community in their focus on data and instruction. She designed engaging lessons and provided hands-on learning experiences for the grade level. Sarah has led professional development sessions at the building, division, and state levels and collaborated with teachers across her building. Sarah received her B.S., summa cum laude, in liberal studies from Longwood University with a concentration in middle and elementary education and a Master’s of Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. Sarah is certified in elementary education pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, mathematics specialist for elementary and middle education, and middle education sixth through eighth grade English.

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