In December, we proudly shared news that the Appoquinimink School District had not one but BOTH finalists under consideration as Delaware’s honoree for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in the field of science this year – teacher Kelly Green (Alfred G. Waters Middle School) and teacher Robert Ferrell (Louis L. Redding Middle School). The official decision has now been announced and we’re pleased to congratulate Kelly, together with the 103 other math and science teachers from across the nation who have been honored this year.

 

As explained in the White House announcement below, Kelly will now receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony which includes several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO KELLY and the other outstanding teachers who have been named finalists and winners since the inception of this program.

Background: PAEMST was established in 1983. Since that time, Appoquinimink has had a total of seven current and former teachers win the Presidential Award – with the majority occurring in the last 11 years – since 1998.

 

Janet Baldwin, Elementary Math 1991

Gina Valania, Elementary Science 1998

John Matthias, Elementary Math 1999

Laura Grass, Elementary Science 2004

Karen Dipres, Elementary Science 2006

Erin Hazlett, Secondary Math 2007

Kelly Green, Secondary Science 2010

 

-- OFFICIAL NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT --

 

The White House

 

Posted:  June 7, 2010

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- President Obama today named 103 mathematics and science teachers as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The educators will receive their awards in Washington, D.C. later this year.

 

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level 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. Each year the award alternates between mathematics and science teachers teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade, and those teaching 7th through 12th grades.

 

This year it goes to teachers teaching 7th through 12th grades. Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

 

Last spring at the National Academy of Sciences, President Obama called on all Americans to join the effort to elevate science, technology, engineering and math(STEM) education as a national priority. The President’s public-private “Educate to Innovate” initiative, which was launched last fall, has attracted more than $500 million in donations and in-kind support from corporations, philanthropies, service organizations, and others to help inspire students to pursue studies and careers in math and science. Last month, Cabinet officials and others in the Federal government answered the President’s call to action by volunteering in local classrooms as part of National Lab Day, a nationwide initiative to build local communities of support for teachers and students studying mathematics and science.

 

“Science and technology have long been at the core of America’s strength and competitiveness, and the scientists and engineers who have led America on its remarkable path to success share something very precious: science and math teachers who brought these critical subjects to life,” said President Obama. “Today we honor some of the best of these teachers and thank them for their dedication. They are inspirations not just to their students, but to the Nation and the world.”

 

Delaware's 2010 Honorees:

Carrie Barber, Wilmington (Math)

Kelly Green, Middletown (Science - teacher at Alfred G. Waters Middle School)