Ten Kentucky public school teachers – including one each from Simon Kenton and Boone County high schools – have been selected as finalists for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
The PAEMST is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government for K-12 mathematics and science teaching. The award alternates each year between teachers in K-6 and those who teach grades 7-12. The 2015 awards will go to those who teach at the middle or high school level.
Kentucky’s mathematics finalists include:
Christine Bickett, North Bullitt High School, Bullitt County
Jeani Gollihue, Russell High School, Russell Independent
Theresa Reilly, Noe Middle School, Jefferson County
Michelle Ruckdeschel, Beacon Central High School (now Heritage Park), Daviess County
Brian Sullivan, Henderson County High School, Henderson County
Kentucky science finalists include:
Carly Baldwin, Boyd County High School, Boyd County
Deborah Brock, Simon Kenton High School, Kenton County
Kevin Crosby, Tates Creek High School, Fayette County
Brian McDowell, Mason County Middle School, Mason County
Tricia Shelton, Boone County High School, Boone County
The award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. A national selection committee is reviewing the finalists’ completed applications and videos. The White House will likely announce the award winners in spring/summer 2016.
Recipients of the award receive:
‣ A certificate signed by the President of the United States
‣ A paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional
development opportunities
‣ A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
‣ An opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation
Established by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST program authorizes the president to give up to1 08 awards each year. Awards are given to mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).
From Kentucky Department of Education