Presidential Award for Excellence

John Blackwell, a longtime instructor in science, has been honored by the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The program recognizes outstanding educators from across the country who teach science, technology, engineering or mathematics in elementary or secondary school. Thousands of top teachers have been recognized since the program was established by Congress in 1983, including Emeritus Instructor Richard Brown in 1989.

Each awardee received $10,000 from the National Science Foundation and a certificate signed by President Joe Biden.

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 learning, I am able to improve the learning of my students and mentees,” he says. “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. Receiving this award is truly an honor.”