Hutchens Teacher Wins Presidential Award

Elizabeth "Nicole" Baranov, who has taught in the Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) for 15 years, has received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is currently teaching kindergarten at Hutchens Elementary School in Mobile, where she has taught for the past 10 years. Baranov’s philosophy in teaching is to build relationships and then encourage students to work together as leaders and problem solvers. She also serves on the National Board Certified Teacher Steering Committee for the district and as a mentor to potential candidates. She holds a reading specialist master’s degree and BS in elementary education from the University of South Alabama and is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist. According to NBC, Baranov is one of only two winners from Alabama and is the 11th MCPSS teacher to receive the prestigious award.