DEED Spotlight on Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Finalists

The Department of Education and Early Development would like to congratulate the four Alaskan educators nominated and selected as finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (K-6 cycle).

Ms. Virginia Gates teaches 5^th grade at Campbell STEM Elementary School in the Anchorage School District. Ms. Gates was selected as a finalist in the science category for work in the Introduction to Energy.

Mr. Jason Daniels is a 5^th grade teacher at Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. Mr. Daniels is a finalist in the science category for Changes to Matter and Conservation of Matter (Pancake Science Investigation).

Ms. Sarah Petersen is a 4^th grade teacher at Willard Bowman Open Optional School in the Anchorage School District. Ms. Bowman represents a nomination for math in the area of Building and Using Array Models to Multiply.

Ms. Cori Ferenczy serves as a 4^th grade teacher at Airport Heights Elementary School in the Anchorage School District. Ms. Ferenczy is nominated in math for Using Knowledge of 10ths to Compare Decimals.

According to the PAEMST Organization, the “Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.  The Awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year” (https://www.paemst.org, 2020).

The award recognizes those teachers who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science, and have the ability to motivate and engage students to achieve success in those areas. 

“The Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the Nation's teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement.  The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy” (https://www.paemst.org, 2020).

Ms. Virginia Gates shares with her families and students an “enthusiasm for problem solving, critical thinking, and hands-on investigations during our math and science blocks.”

Mr. Jason Daniels is quoted as saying, “Our children, to a greater and greater degree, will inherit a world full of STEM, which is all the more reason to set our students up for success by providing quality experiences in the STEM field, whether it be through career exploration, like Upstream Academy, or project-based learning in the classroom. STEM experiences are so important!”  

Ms. Sarah Petersen stated, “I enjoy creating, facilitating, and supporting cross curricular learning experiences where learners can develop skills and concepts through games, challenges, and authentic experiences. My teacher heart is excited at the level of engagement when students are presented with authentic experiences and learning tools.”

According to Ms. Cori Ferenczy, teachers should “Teach each child as an individual. Be creative, flexible, and adaptive. Be prepared to improvise. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and create your own lessons and activities. Believe in yourself and in your unique ideas.” This advice comes from an educator who stated, "One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching kids develop a love of math, especially if they start the year off lacking confidence.”

Thank you to all the teachers who offer STEM experiences to students all across Alaska, and a special shoutout to these four finalists of the PAEMST award. Good luck and keep spreading the love of learning in the fields of math and science.