National Board Certified 5th-grade teacher Connie Michael has dedicated 36 years to education. Currently teaching at Crow Agency Public School, her career includes teaching bilingual K-2 in Washington before moving to Montana. Connie believes in the importance of building connections with her students through building community and relationships. She collaborates with the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, and the Army Educational Outreach Program to bring quality science curriculum to her classroom. She has received recognition as Montana Environmental Educator of the Year, National Rural Education National Signature Project Awardee, finalist for the Presidential Award of Excellence in Science.