Receiving the Presidential Award is tangible evidence of the invaluable mentorship and support I have received throughout the years from colleagues, administration, parents, students, and family. It represents the creativity, open mindedness, critical thinking, and constant evolution that I try to both demonstrate and instill in my students. I am honored to receive this award and excited about the opportunity to continue encouraging students through science exploration.

Chrissy Mitchell APO, AE | DoDEA | K-6, Science, 2022

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

Chrissy Mitchell has been involved in education for the past 20 years, spending the last seven years at Stuttgart Elementary School, a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school. Previously, she spent 13 years teaching internationally at Sasebo Elementary School, E.C. Killin Elementary School, and Stearley Heights Elementary School. Chrissy currently teaches all subjects of third grade, but has previously taught multiage, second grade, and fourth grade. In her classroom, she uses FOSS learning materials and incorporates regular STEM challenges through LEGO Robotics and other classroom materials. She loves creating a classroom environment that promotes learning through mistakes, inquiry, and investigation. Students have the opportunity to complete extension projects such as developing their own recycled racers for a grade level competition, creating a weather forecast to be filmed with a green screen, and designing their own STEM challenges. Students regularly challenge their belief systems about science and learn how to persevere when presented with challenges or difficulties. Over the years, Chrissy has had the opportunity to help lead professional development opportunities for her district, participate in the DoDEA Set Sail training through the United States Naval Academy, serve as a team leader, and help create the scope and sequence of new mathematics and science curricula. Chrissy has a B.A. in elementary education with a minor in mathematics from the University of Maryland University College. She is certified in first through eighth grade elementary education, middle school mathematics, compensatory education in mathematics, and compensatory education in reading.

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