Michelle DuMoulin, science teacher at Slavens K-8, 3000 S. Clayton St., is one of two Colorado recipients of the 2003 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence. She was recognized at an awards ceremony at yesterday in Boulder.

The award is given to science teachers who demonstrate outstanding science teaching and have a great impact on the lives of their students. Each recipient receives an unrestricted $10,000 award.

“She is one of the most creative, inspirational, dedicated teachers I have ever run across,” said Janet Belt, principal.

For six years, Amgen has conducted the Amgen Award for Teacher Excellence in Boulder County. Last year, Amgen changed the award to focus solely on excellence in science teaching. This year the award has been expanded to include nominations of science teachers throughout the state. Amgen also conducts similar programs in California; Louisville, Kentucky; Puerto Rico; Rhode Island; and Seattle, Washington.

Through a publicly advertised process, students, parents, and colleagues nominate teachers. A panel of three independent judges selects the winners.

The criteria the judges use to decide the winner includes: creativity in the classroom; effectiveness in achieving positive student outcomes; contribution to best practice development in science teaching; motivational ability; and instructional ability, including subject matter mastery.