Deborah Harwell doesn't always show up to class: sometimes, the miner "Australia Minor" or the scientist Dr. D take her place. Besides making learning fun, Dr. D has been known to demonstrate mummification on a teddy bear. Harwell's creativity--and her willingness to dress up--has made her classroom an exciting and dynamic environment for her fourth grade students at Hugh Bish Elementary School. Harwell's classroom isn't just games, however, but thanks to this outstanding educator's dedication, her students are well-prepared when it comes time to take statewide assessments. Her students' math and reading scores have increased dramatically under Harwell's instruction. Outside the classroom, Harwell remains involved in the educational community. She reviews math and science textbooks for MacMillan/McGraw-Hill and has served as curriculum alignment facilitator for her district in a wide variety of subjects. In 2006, this multitalented educator received national recognition when she won a Milken Educators Award of $25,000. The real reward, however, goes to her students, who are grateful to have such a fun teacher.
 

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