Teacher Myron Blosser '83, MA '98 is a state finalist for the 2019 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Among other awards, he received the Genetics Education Award from the National Association for Biology Teachers in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Harrisonburg City Schools)

Virginia teacher selected as state finalist for presidential award

Harrisonburg High School teacher Myron Blosser has been selected as a state finalist for the 2019 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award — regarded as the nation’s top honor for mathematics and science teachers — recognizes teachers who develop and implement high-quality instructional programs that improve student learning in mathematics and science. Blosser is one of only five Virginia secondary teachers to be chosen as state finalists.

Blosser earned a BS degree in biology with secondary education endorsement from Eastern Mennonite University in 1983 and an MA in education with a concentration in curriculum development from EMU in 1998. 

Blosser co-directs the HHS Governor’s STEM Academy, where he also teaches biology and biotechnology. A well-respected educator who has shaped science instruction throughout the Shenandoah Valley, Blosser formerly taught at Eastern Mennonite High School. There, he launched the cross-country summer “Discovery” program. Learn more about this innovative learning experience. which involves several EMU alumni each year.

In 1994, he created the Shenandoah Valley Biotechnology Symposium, an annual event that he continues to be involved with 25 years later. The Symposium gives high school students throughout the Shenandoah Valley the opportunity to participate in hands-on genetics experiments and to interact with high-profile scientists such as Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, who provided last year’s keynote address.

“Mr. Blosser’s contributions to the advancement of science education have few parallels,” said Patrick Lintner, assistant superintendent for instruction. “He is constantly innovating, and he maintains the highest expectations for himself and his students.”

The five Virginia finalists will be recognized by the state board of education during its October business meeting in Richmond.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House. A national review committee will review the applications of the 2019 finalists, and the 2019 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching awardees will be announced by the White House.

Discussion on “Virginia teacher selected as state finalist for presidential award

  1. Congratulations for being selected the Virginia state finalist for the presidential award.
    Blessings.

  2. Congratulations, Myron. An image of you comes to my mind in speech class! Thanks for your excellent work.

  3. Congratulations Myron! Keep on inspiring our youth to pursue science, care for humanity, and preserve our planet.

  4. Mr Blosser was instrumental in changing my child’s attitude about science from “not interested” to “very interested”. An undergrad degree in Biological Science has been parleyed into medical school admissions and I would give most of the credit to Mr Blosser. Well deserved recognition.

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