It is crucial that students develop the habits of mind to prepare them to be scientifically literate, responsible citizens and lifelong learners in a world that will exist in their future. The Presidential Award recognizes the significance of exceptional science and mathematics teaching in that preparation. It compels us, as educators, to continually strive to improve the instruction that will impact our future citizens and I am truly humbled to be considered for this award.

Elizabeth O'Day Hallsville, MO | K-6, Science, 2010

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

Elizabeth O’Day began her career as a special education teacher in Illinois. She has spent the past 11 years in Hallsville R-IV School District, where she taught fifth grade science and reading for 9 years and is currently the science specialist, teaching third through fifth grade at Hallsville Intermediate School. In the classroom, students experience science in a way that makes them think critically about evidence. They learn that science is an understanding of our world that is continually evolving. Betsy’s afterschool robotics programs engage students in collaborative problem solving. Since 2002, Betsy has been a national Girl Scout-NASA facilitator, participating in NASA-sponsored science and engineering workshops at various NASA facilities. She shares her knowledge with girls and adults at the local and national levels. Betsy has a B.S. in special education from Illinois State University and is currently completing her master’s degree in science education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is certified in K - 12 special education, elementary education, and science-fifth through ninth grade. Betsy is National Board Certified in early adolescence science.

Know a great teacher like Elizabeth O'Day?