Ryan Reardon, a 1994 Rhodes biology alumnus, has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. “The recipients of this award are integral to ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to our Nation’s success,” said President Obama in a news release published by the White House. “As the United States continues to lead the way in the innovation that is shaping our future, these excellent teachers are preparing students from all corners of the country with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills that help keep us on the cutting-edge.”
Reardon is a science instructor at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Birmingham, AL, where he teaches AP biology, science research methods, and environmental systems courses.
Winners of this Presidential honor receive funds from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion and are invited to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony, as well educational and celebratory events, and visits with members of the Administration.
Update August 26, 2016: Rhodes has learned that another graduate, Lauren Zarandona, is winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is a mathematics instructor at Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, MS. She graduated from Rhodes in 2003 with a B.S. in physics.