The Presidential Award seves as a validation of my teaching methods that I have employed over the years through professional development and research to be able to teach all students with different learning styles and needs. I am honored to be among educators who have been recognized as "Outstanding Mathematics Teachers" and who exemplify high standards and contribute their teaching to help students achieve the goals in learning mathematical concepts.
Michelle Voelker began teaching 11 years ago. Her first years of teaching included 6 years at the elementary and middle school levels in Louisiana. Most recently, Michelle taught middle school mathematics at Walton Middle School.
Michelle's desire is for mathematics teaching to encourage learners to excel. Her eighth grade students enjoyed 9 weeks of planning and designing a paintball course with help from engineers, a paintball designer, and a land surveyor.
In her current position, Michelle is Walton County's first Title II Mathematics Coach. She provides support during a time of transition in Florida schools by modeling activities to teachers and students that promote self-discovery, the relevance of mathematics, and discussions.
Michelle presented at a reading conference in Orlando, FL, on incorporating literacy into mathematics. She will be training middle school teachers in Walton County in summer 2010.
Michelle has a B.A. in Education and an M.Ed. from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She is certified in elementary education, middle school mathematics grades 5-9, and educational leadership. She looks forward to finishing her last class toward her specialist degree.
- High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
- Awardee holding Presidential citation between the Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Subra Suresh and the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. John P. Holdren
- High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph
