Friday, January 3, 2014

IDAHO TEACHERS SELECTED FOR PRESIDENTIAL TEACHING AWARD

Two teachers from the rural Genesee School District in north-central Idaho were selected for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This award is the nation’s highest honor for U.S. mathematics and science teachers for grades K–12.

Tauna Johnson was selected for the science award, and Donna Wommack was selected for the mathematics award. They are among just 102 teachers selected nationally for this award.

“Congratulations to both of these talented teachers! We know the most important factor in a student’s academic success once they arrive at school is the quality of the teacher in the classroom. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Wommack represent the hard-working, innovative science and mathematics teachers we have across Idaho. I am proud they have received this recognition at the national level,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.

Wendy Moore, Superintendent of the Genesee School District said, “Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Wommack are very deserving of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science. Mrs. Johnson has been with Genesee School District for 24 years, and Mrs. Wommack has been at Genesee 18 years.  Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Wommack both showcase exemplary teaching strategies in their classroom, and it has resulted in high student achievement. Genesee School District is fortunate to have such teachers as part of our outstanding educational team.”

The PAEMST award is given annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level.

Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion as well as a trip to Washington, DC, for a series of recognition events, professional development activities and an awards ceremony.

Each year, the award alternates between teachers teaching kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades. On December 20, 2013, President Obama announced these 2012 awardees who teach K-6 grades.

No comments:

Post a Comment