The Presidential Award is recognition of educators' personal altruistic investment in future generations. I am a facilitator of educational experiences and I know that when students leave my classroom, they are better critical thinkers, writers, and speakers. They understand that failure just means they get to try another idea and know how to persevere through those productive struggles. I am confident that the problems of tomorrow can be solved by the future problem solvers of today.

Jasper Isenberg Reno, NV | 7-12, Science, 2023

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

Jasper Isenberg has been a science educator for 17 years. She has spent four years teaching at Doral Academy of Northern Nevada, where she has been teaching third through eighth graders in Project Lead The Way, Gifted and Talented, and Biology. Previously, she taught at the Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology; North Valleys High School; Swope Middle School; and Squaw Valley Academy. Jasper's teaching harnesses the power of students’ natural curiosity. She engages her students in real world problems to learn content. Her students are given the opportunity to access content at their own pace and to analyze collaboratively in the classroom while designing solutions. All students' learning styles and achievements look different, but when they are actively involved in their own academic experience and undisputedly creating solutions, academic connections happen. Jasper takes pride in creating active thinkers and students who can problem solve. In her classroom, students are empowered to take risks and try new ideas. Jasper is known for facilitating experiences for students outside of the traditional classroom where they can showcase their learning beyond the classroom walls. These opportunities allow students to find a sense of belonging, purpose, and passion among their like-minded peers. Some of these outside experiences include HOSA, robotics, and science fairs. Jasper has served as a mentor and lead teacher to several aspiring and early educators and was selected for the teacher leader cohort during the 2022-2023 school year. Jasper earned a B.S. in environmental policy and biology from Sierra Nevada College, an M.A.T. with a kindergarten through eighth grade multiple subject and secondary focus from Sierra Nevada College, and an M.Ed. from Grand Canyon University.

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