Schools
Sandburg alum, D230 Foundation Legacy Hall inductee receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science
Darshan Jain learned from his Sandburg teachers to have fun, respect others' ideas and encourage debate in the classroom
Darshan Jain, Sandburg High School Class of 1991 and District 230 Foundation Legacy Hall Class of 2013, was selected by President Barack Obama as one of only 108 recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. He is Director of Mathematics and teaches at Stevenson High School.
https://recognition.paemst.org/awardees
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“These teachers are shaping America’s success through their passion for math and science,” Obama said of the winners. “Their leadership and commitment empower our children to think critically and creatively about science, technology, engineering, and math. The work these teachers are doing in our classrooms today will help ensure that America stays on the cutting edge tomorrow,” he said.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 (kindergarten through 12th grades) science and mathematics teachers from across the country.
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Darshan Jain is a 1991 graduate of Sandburg High School. After high school Darshan attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Teaching of Secondary Mathematics. Over the years Darshan has held many jobs including several engineer positions. Darshan has also held several teaching positions and is currently a High School Math Teacher at Adlai E. Stevenson High School where he has been since 2004.
Darshan has been recognized for his excellence in teaching with awards including being named as the Illinois State Finalist for the Presidential Awards in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction, and the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching just to name a few. When Darshan received his Golden Apple Award he was quoted as saying that his teaching skills came from those who taught him. As a student at Sandburg High School Darshan learned from his teachers to have fun, respect others ideas, and to encourage thoughtful debate.
As a teacher he encourages a free thinking atmosphere and participates in the learning process with his students. He also believes that the classroom should be a safe haven for students to disagree, make mistakes, to question and to promote alternate solutions.
