’Berg alum wins Presidential award for math, science teaching

Heidelberg alum and educator Krystina Pratt got some awesome news last month. 

A year ago, we shared that Kryssie had been named a state finalist for the 2021 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. We’re excited to follow up even better news: Kryssie, ’10, is Ohio’s recipient of the award, the nation’s highest honor for math and science teachers. 

On Feb. 8, the White House announced the winners of this year’s awards, which recognize outstanding teachers for their contributions to instruction and learning and their ability to help students make progress in those subject areas.

“Receiving the Presidential Award is the proudest achievement of my life,” Kryssie says. “This award represents countless hours spent learning, planning and collaborating to bring innovative mathematics experiences to my students. I could not have earned this award without the support of my school district; professional development from the Teaching & Learning Collaborative and Tech Corps; and all of the administrators, mentors and colleagues who have helped me grow as an educator.”

Kryssie has spent 10 of her 11 years as an educator in the classroom. She is currently a Teacher on Assignment with the Teaching & Learning Collaborative, where she serves as a Professional Development Coordinator. In this role, she designs and facilitates high-quality professional development opportunities for teachers in math, science and computer science. Previously, Kryssie taught third grade at New Albany Primary School, Mohawk Elementary School, and was an intervention specialist at Old Fort and Lincoln Elementary schools.

Kryssie is passionate about ensuring all students gain a conceptual understanding of mathematics through a rich and rigorous curriculum. As a third-grade teacher, she incorporated computer science into her mathematics curriculum through the E4Tech program. Students engaged in innovative and rigorous mathematics lessons that incorporated computational thinking concepts, computer programming, and robotics. Kryssie advocates for teaching practices that nurture students’ positive mathematical identities and build a deep understanding of mathematics.

She is a past president of the Central Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics, an affiliate of the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In 2018, she was a member of the Computer Science Standards Writing Team for the Ohio Department of Education. Kryssie also served as a New Teacher Mentor for four years at New Albany Primary.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Heidelberg, she earned her M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Bowling Green State University. She is certified to teach pre-kindergarten through third grades and K-12 Special Education.

And although Kryssie has always wanted to be a teacher, it's great to know that her passion for education was fueled and nurtured right here at Heidelberg!

Congratulations, Kryssie. Your alma mater shares your pride!

Read the original story about Kryssie’s nomination for the award.