Bothell High School Teacher Wins $10,000 Award for Science Teaching Excellence

Bothell High School science teacher Amanda Rainwater won the 2013 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence. A representative from Amgen surprised Rainwater with a $10,000 check and trophy at a school assembly on May 16. She received $5,000 for the school to advance science education and $5,000 for personal use. Rainwater was one of 34 science teachers chosen for the award from the six states and four provinces where Amgen operates. The award program recognized extraordinary contributions by educators who are elevating the level of science literacy through creativity in the classroom and motivation of students. An independent panel of judges selected the winners based on creativity and effectiveness of teaching methods; the plan for the use of grant money to improve science education resources in their schools; and an innovative science lesson plan showcasing innovative methods in the classroom. Amgen is the world’s largest biotechnology company with research facilities in Seattle and Bothell. It discovers, develops, manufactures and markets human therapeutics for serious illnesses.