Instructor has taught astronomy and physics at the Academy since 2004.
Longtime Exeter Instructor in Science John Blackwell has been honored as an of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The awards, announced by the White House on Tuesday, recognize outstanding educators from across the country who teach science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) at either an elementary or secondary grade level. Thousands of top teachers have been recognized since the program was established by Congress in 1983, including Instructor Emeritus Richard Brown (1989).
Each awardee will receive a certificate signed by President Biden and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and travel to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony.
Blackwell has taught astronomy and physics at Exeter since 2004. As the school’s Grainger Observatory Director, he manages the curriculum and instrument needs of the astronomy program, in addition to teaching four classes per term. His recent projects include working with Exeter students and the University of New Hampshire in the design and implementation of magnetometers to study minute changes in the Earth’s magnetic field due to solar activity.
“Through my own continual learning, I am able to constantly improve the learning of my students and mentees,” he said. “This process is continual; the more I learn, the more my students have access to, and the more engaged and informed they will be about the sciences throughout their life. Receiving this award is truly an honor.”
