Elementary teachers are rarely acknowledged for their expertise in one particular subject; we are seen as generalists. However, the Presidential Awards recognize the importance of quality mathematics instruction at all educational levels. I have dedicated my career to sharing my love of mathematics with my students, gaining inspiration from several Presidential awardees I have known; to now be included in their ranks is the highest honor I can imagine, and I am deeply humbled and appreciative.
Dorothea Culbert has been an educator with the Anchorage School District for almost 21 years, teaching for the last 16 years at Alpenglow Elementary School. She has also taught at Abbott Loop Elementary School, Lake Otis Elementary School, and Polaris K - 12 School.
Because of her commitment to quality teaching, Dorothea has participated in several districtwide mathematics implementations, including selecting and reviewing curricula and rewriting mathematics content and performance standards. She has also presented at numerous mathematics workshops, led schoolwide staff development, and mentored new teachers.
Dorothea develops a strong conceptual understanding in her students using visual mathematics and hands-on instruction. She also teaches a variety of problem-solving strategies she playfully calls “Mrs. Culbert’s World-Famous Problem Solving Strategies.” Her sense of humor helps ease the panic many students feel when they encounter a difficult problem.
Dorothea has a B.A. in English from the University of Alaska Anchorage, an M.A. in English from the University of Washington, and an Elementary Teaching Certificate, kindergarten through eighth grade, from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She is highly qualified in elementary education, mathematics, and English.
- High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
- Awardee holding Presidential citation between Associate Director for Science of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. Carl Wieman and Deputy Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Cora Marrett
- High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph
