August 25, 2016
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Buck Lodge Middle School science special education teacher Elizabeth Lazaro was recently selected as a recipient of President Obama’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Lazaro is among 213 K-12 science and mathematics educators from across the nation who were selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators for the award.
“The Presidential Award is a living testament in celebrating the accomplishments of students with significant cognitive disabilities,” said Lazaro. “The award captures a milestone in bringing to the fore how these students are able to access the general curriculum with instructional modifications. Ultimately, the award recognizes special education students who do not give up on their dreams despite life’s challenges.”
As a winner of the Presidential honor, Lazaro will receive a certificate signed by President Obama during an awards ceremony on September 8 and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. She will also attend several educational and celebratory events, take part in professional development opportunities, and visit with members of the President’s administration.
“Lazaro’s name is added to a growing list of Prince George’s County Public Schools educators who are receiving national recognition for the work they’re doing in the classroom and beyond,” said Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools. “I am proud of her recent success and motivated by the daily impact she’s making in her students’ academic lives.”
Lazaro has been a special education teacher at Buck Lodge Middle School since 2005. She teaches students in grades six through eight, and has served as Science Department Chair since 2008. Lazaro uses a variety of strategies to address the different learning styles of her students, including using pictures, visuals, and manipulatives; incorporating hands-on activities; and embedding video/technology presentations. She is committed to learning, and frequently takes part in professional development opportunities.
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