House Concurrent Resolution 64

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING AND CONGRATULATING ESTEEMED EDUCATOR AND BELOVED KINDERGARTEN MATH TEACHER MS. LAURA BIVINS OF ANN SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN MADISON COUNTY FOR WINNING THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARD OF ITS KIND FROM THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.

WHEREAS, Laura Bivins, beloved kindergarten math teacher of Ann E. Smith Elementary School, has earned and been awarded the United States Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and was one of only two teachers chosen in the State of Mississippi for this prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, the United States Presidential Award is the highest award earned from the United States government, and is awarded to the best of the best kindergarten through 12th grade educators in mathematics and science representing schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the United States territories; and

WHEREAS, Laura Bivins is a passionate early childhood educator, who has been a kindergarten teacher for 28 consecutive years, and still utilizes the best teaching practices to create interactive teaching methods that stimulate the academic development of her students; and

WHEREAS, her engaging teaching techniques were extremely beneficial as she endured a rigorous application process that required her to demonstrate a deep knowledge of content and her ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments; and

WHEREAS, Laura is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist, who earned her bachelor of science in elementary education with a concentration in kindergarten through eighth grade remedial reading and her master's of education in elementary education from Mississippi College; and

WHEREAS, only gifted educators such as Laura reach the nominee stage because it requires completion of a successful assessment by a panel of distinguished state and national mathematicians, scientists and educators in order to qualify for a recommendation as a nominee to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP); and

WHEREAS, not only does this award carry great scholarly recognition, but each award recipient also receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation; and

WHEREAS, although this award is Laura's highest professional honor yet, in 2018, she was awarded the Madison County Elementary Teacher of the Year and the Ann E. Smith Elementary Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Laura expressed her gratitude by stating, "The Presidential Award is an incredible honor, and validates the time and energy I've put into understanding and implementing mathematics in my classroom. It is simply amazing to be recognized for doing what I love best, educating young children! I strive to build a community of learners within which my students can be confident problem solvers. I am excited to share this award with my colleagues and my family, all of whom have supported my career and my passion for being a lifelong learner"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to celebrate the accomplishments of fine educators such as Ms. Laura Bivins, who not only enhance the minds of our youth, but bring great pride and recognition to our state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate esteemed educator and beloved kindergarten teacher, Ms. Laura Bivins, on winning the United States Presidential Award For Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Laura Bivins, the principal at Ann E. Smith Elementary School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.