Montgomery, Ala. – Four Alabama teachers are Presidential Finalists in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) – the nation’s highest honors for K-12 mathematics and science teachers. The Awards recognize teachers for contributions to the classroom and to the profession. This year’s awards honor secondary (Grades 7-12) teachers. Alabama’s Presidential Finalists are:
· Mathematics Finalists – Cathy Bennett, Geneva High School, Geneva City Schools, and Sondra Oswalt, Oxford High School, Oxford City Schools
· Science Finalists – Cheryl Adams, Liberty Middle School, Madison City Schools, and Megan O’Neill, Fairhope High School, Baldwin County Schools
Alabama’s Presidential Finalists will be honored today by the Alabama State Board of Education at 9:30 a.m. in the Gordon Persons Building Auditorium, 50 N. Ripley Street, Montgomery, followed by an awards luncheon, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), at 11 a.m. at the Capital City Club, 201 Monroe Street, RSA Tower, Suite 2100. Each Presidential Finalist receives the NSF Certificate of Honor in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
“The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching honor our Alabama teachers and these teachers bring honor to Alabama and to the teaching profession,” said State Superintendent of Education Joe Morton. “These outstanding teachers are a vital human resource for improving science and mathematics education. Their schools and their students are very lucky to have them.”
Enacted by Congress in 1983 and administered by the NSF on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the PAEMST program identifies eligible K-12 teachers who exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching. Since 1983, more than 4,000 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education.
For the 2010 Awards, nominate outstanding elementary (Grades K-6) mathematics and science teachers by April 1, 2010. For more information, visit www.paemst.org, or contact Carolyn Townsend, Curriculum and Instruction, Alabama Department of Education, 334-353-5440.
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