TEA News Releases Online
August 20, 2010
Texas finalists announced for Presidential Award
AUSTIN - Six Texas teachers have been named finalists for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program.
The 2010 PAEMST program recognizes kindergarten through sixth grade mathematics and science teachers whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom.
The Texas finalists in elementary mathematics are Elizabeth Hudgins of Eanes ISD (Austin), Lorene Wallace of Austin ISD (Austin), and Stephanie Weaver of Pearland ISD (Pearland).
- Elizabeth Hudgins is a 5th grade teacher at Eanes Elementary School in Eanes ISD and has 8 years of teaching experience. Her principal is Cynthia Acosta and her superintendent is Nola Wellman.
- Lorene Wallace is a 1st grade teacher at Bryker Woods Elementary School in Austin ISD and has 6 years of teaching experience. Her principal is Nancy Hobbs and her superintendent is Meria Carstarphen.
- Stephanie Weaver is a 3rd grade teacher at Shadycrest Elementary School in Pearland ISD and has 14 years of teaching experience. Her principal is Marlo Keller and her superintendent is Bonny Cain.
The Texas finalists in elementary science are Nancy Douglas from Austin ISD (Austin), Martha McLeod from Aransas County ISD (Rockport), and Kent Page from Northside ISD (San Antonio).
- Nancy Douglas is a 5th grade teacher at Andrews Elementary School in Austin ISD who has 18 years of teaching experience. Her principal is Laurie Barber and her superintendent is Meria Carstarphen.
- Martha McLeod is a 5th grade teacher at Fulton 4-5 Learning Centerin Aransas County ISD who has 18 years of teaching experience. Her principal is Jeremy Saegert and her superintendent is Joseph Patek.
- Kent Page is 5th grade teacher at Carnahan Elementary School in Northside ISD and has 10 years of teaching experience. His principal is Lisa Turner and his superintendent is John Folks.
PAEMST is the highest recognition that a mathematics or science teacher may receive for exemplary teaching in the United States. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on the behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
To achieve recognition through this program, a teacher first must be nominated for the award. A state panel of master teachers, specialists and administrators reviews the applications and chooses the most outstanding mathematics and science teachers for the National Science Foundation to consider for state finalist status. These state finalists will be recognized by the State Board of Education.
After the initial selection process at the state or territorial level, a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators may select one mathematics and one science teacher from each state and U.S. jurisdiction for the national award. National winners receive $10,000, an all expense paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. to attend recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a citation signed by the President of the United States.
Next year, outstanding mathematics and science educators teaching in grades 7-12 with five years or more of teaching experience are eligible. For more information, please visit http://www.paemst.org.
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Texas Education Agency Contacts: Kenn Heydrick and Lindsey Perry (512) 463-9581