Darshan Jain, an Indian American teacher is one of the 108 teachers named by President Barack Obama as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Jain, who has taught mathematics at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois for eight years where he currently serves as the director of mathematics, and other winners will receive a $10,000 award each from the National Science Foundation.
The educators will receive their awards at a Washington, DC, event later this summer.
"These teachers are shaping America's success through their passion for math and science," Obama said of the winners.
"Their leadership and commitment empower our children to think critically and creatively about science, technology, engineering, and math.
"The work these teachers are doing in our classrooms today will help ensure that America stays on the cutting edge tomorrow," he said.
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The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 (kindergarten through 12th grades) science and mathematics teachers from across the country.
"The Presidential Award validates my core belief that all students can learn mathematics in authentic, rigorous, and impactful ways," Jain said.
"It is grounded in my experience that collaborative teachers can help all students achieve excellence."
"This award provides opportunities to have discussions around improving math education at local and national levels," he said.
"Students' experiences in mathematics must fundamentally change in order to support our national vision for equity, access, and competitiveness."
Jain's industry experience includes time spent as a project engineer and a machine designer.
Jain's love for teaching was inspired by his work at the Hispanic Math and Science Initiative and his students' success in learning.
As adjunct professor for mathematics education, Jain supported novice teachers. He now leads exceptional colleagues as curriculum director for his district.
Jain has also contributed to the education community by speaking on research-based pedagogy at local, state and national conferences.
Jain has a BA in mechanical engineering and a MS in secondary mathematics education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is pursing further graduate work.
(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)