Earning a Presidential Award is a humbling accomplishment that honors the time, energy, and dedication I have poured into creating a learning environment that values relationships, trust, reasoning, and students’ thinking. This award amplifies the importance of cultivating a love of mathematics in our students while supporting each student's pathway to understanding and success. I am honored to share this award with those who have helped me grow as an individual and educator.

Angela Schneden Ankeny, IA | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

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

Angela “Angie” Schneden has been an educator for 23 years for the Ankeny Community School District. She has taught all subjects for first grade at Prairie Trail Elementary since 2012. Angie previously taught first grade for 10 years at Terrace Elementary and taught literacy and mathematics to first graders at Terrace and Northwest Elementaries her first year teaching. Angie works to build confidence and a love of learning in her first graders. Her students take the lead in their classroom by problem solving, working together, and engaging in tasks that are accessible, yet provide opportunities for growth for all learners. Students in Angie’s classroom would be proud to tell you student thinking is her favorite thing to learn about when she confers with students. She works to build mathematical conceptual understanding in her students so they can apply what they know to a variety of mathematical contexts and instill in themselves the confidence that they too can excel in mathematics. Angie is a finalist for the Yager Exemplary Teacher Recognition Award. She has led mathematics professional learning at local, state, and national levels. She has served as a mentor teacher to new and preservice teachers. Angie has opened her classroom doors to model effective teaching practices for teachers and administrators from across Iowa. She has served on mathematics, teacher-quality, instructional-leadership, and technology-leadership committees for her school district. Angie earned a B.A., cum laude, in elementary education and an M.A.Ed. in early childhood education, both from the University of Northern Iowa. Angie is certified to teach preschool through sixth grade, special education through third grade, and mathematics and reading through eighth grade.

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