The honor of receiving the Presidential Award recognizes and celebrates my journey as an educator. Each year, I strive to improve my craft, and this award validates that effort and challenges me to continue. It is truly humbling to be included among this prestigious group of awardees. This would not have been possible without family, mentors, colleagues, and, most importantly, my students who have proven to me that anything is possible through hard work and the support of those around you.

Kristi Peterson Gilbert, AZ | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

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

Kristi Peterson has been an educator for 30 years. She has spent the last two years at Mesquite High School where she has taught a mixture of on-level, co-taught, and honors Algebra I and Algebra II courses to 9th-12th grade students. Prior to returning to the classroom, she spent six years as the Secondary Math Coordinator for Gilbert Public Schools. She previously taught at Gilbert High School for 13 years and Ray High School for nine years. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Chandler Gilbert Community College, Mesa Community College, and Central Arizona College. In the classroom, Kristi challenges students to build an understanding of mathematical concepts through exploration and collaboration. The entire class strives to build a community where students and teachers challenge and support each other. Kristi's goal is that students have as many doors open to them as possible once they graduate. She strives to support all students in building essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will help them be successful no matter where their passions lead them in life. Outside the classroom, as Department Chair, Kristi is working to support her team as they create a culture where students believe they can figure out and be successful at mathematics. She also serves on the School Improvement Committee through which she often facilitates whole campus training. Kristi is also a cosponsor for the student council. Kristi earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics education from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. She is a certified secondary mathematics teacher.

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