The Presidential Award honors the dedication and passion of teachers who foster excitement and interest in science for their students. Elementary science educators must be able to remove barriers, think creatively, problem solve, and persevere. This award celebrates the journey of learning that I have shared with students throughout my career. I am grateful to be part of this community that values science for all students. This award will allow me to share my ideas and learn from others.

Amber Cordova Casa Grande, AZ | K-6, Science, 2022

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

Amber Cordova has been an educator for over 17 years. She joined Ironwood Elementary School two years ago as an instructional coach and the K-5 Science Coordinator for Casa Grande Elementary District. She spent the previous five years as a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Casa Grande Elementary School District’s gifted and talented program, WINGS. She previously taught fourth grade mathematics and science in Oklahoma for one and a half years and middle school science in Colorado for one year. Amber does not believe that learning is linear in nature. She works to redefine the "educational box" and creates opportunities where her students can redefine that box for themselves. She works to incorporate robotics, creativity, and maker activities into the science curriculum. Amber values hands-on learning so much that she created a school makerspace with grant funds awarded from Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service, and DonorsChoose. Amber continuously seeks opportunities to work with others to develop her efficacy as an educator. She participates in many professional learning communities within and outside of her district. She works with new teachers as a mentor and facilitates their professional development. Amber has presented sessions on STEAM education, formative and summative assessments in science, makerspaces, science discourse, science and engineering practices, and the integration of cross-cutting concepts within her district and Pinal County. Amber earned a B.S. in social science from Colorado State University and an M.Ed. in elementary education from the University of Phoenix. Amber is certified in kindergarten through eighth grade elementary education, sixth through eighth grade middle grades general science, and has a gifted endorsement in grades PK-12.

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