story by Claire Miller
When she graduated with her master’s degree in science education, Emma Presberg (M.A.T. ’21) knew she wanted to teach in the community she grew up in.
She accepted a job as a science teacher at her alma mater, Sandy Creek High School in Fayette County, Ga., and has enjoyed watching her biology and physical science students comprehend the lessons she’s teaching.
“My favorite moments so far are the small ones in class when a student suddenly understands something they have been struggling with for a while,” she said. “Seeing that student start to believe in themselves and their abilities is definitely one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”
Presberg was one of five teachers statewide chosen for the Georgia Science Teacher Association’s (GSTA) 2022 Teachers of Promise. This designation is given to science educators in the first three years of their career “who show promise to be an outstanding science teacher,” according to GSTA’s website.
She credits her professors in the College of Education & Human Development for preparing her to be a teacher who encourages her students to succeed and finds new ways to teach the science curriculum.
“My education at Georgia State University definitely contributed to this award,” she said. “Dr. Patrick Enderle taught me so much about how to be a successful teacher and how to challenge students while supporting them. I constantly refer back to what my classes taught me when I am trying to figure out how to do something better.”
As an awardee, Presberg will receive a $750 award and be recognized during GTSA’s annual conference in February.
“It is easy as an educator to feel like you aren't making an impact or aren't doing enough, and receiving this reward helped me remember that I am capable of doing this job and that what I do matters,” she said.
To learn more about the award, visit https://www.georgiascienceteacher.org/Awards.