The Presidential Award is a distinguished honor that acknowledges the hard work and dedication of educators. It emphasizes the importance of STEM education in today's ever-changing world and encourages teachers to continue to educate students on the importance of questioning, discovering, and problem solving. The nomination for this prestigious award is an honor in itself, and I am thankful for the continued support of my family, students, colleagues, and mentors.

Erin Nunley Murfreesboro, TN | K-6, Science, 2022

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

Erin Nunley has been an educator for 21 years. She has spent the last eight years teaching at Overall Creek Elementary, a Tennessee STEM designated school, where she currently teaches all subjects of sixth grade. She previously taught at Black Fox Elementary and has taught third through sixth grade students. As a member of a STEM school, Erin has devoted her time to STEM education. She currently teaches in a self-contained classroom, using the integration of all subjects as well as incorporating the engineering design process (EDP). Her passion for STEM education has encouraged her leadership at the school, district, and state levels in promoting STEM for all students. Erin has led her school and district in using 3D printing in the classroom. She executes inquiry-based instruction that centers around the EDP and encourages the use of problem-solving skills. Erin believes students need the foundation of 21st century skills and helps them learn to utilize these skills through their discoveries. She also spends time connecting her instruction with community partners who have technical and collegiate backgrounds and help expose her students to careers. This encourages the students to begin thinking about their future. In 2022, Erin presented at the Middle Tennessee Math Conference on effectively using and integrating mathematics tasks in the classroom. She also presented at the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network Conference on the art of argumentation in the classroom. She currently serves on the STEM Committee at the school and district levels. Erin graduated in 2002 from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with a B.S. in education and earned her M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction in 2010. She is currently seeking her Ed.D. in school improvement from MTSU.

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