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PAEMST Award Winners Announced

Monday, July 23, 2018

Two Wisconsin teachers—from the Sun Prairie Area School District and the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District—were formally recognized by the White House for the 2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Jay Garvey Shah is a fifth-grade teacher at Creekside Elementary School in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. He received the Presidential Award for Excellence in K-6 Science. He has been an educator for 15 years with international experiences that include teaching at the American International School of Kuwait and volunteering for the Peace Corps in Nepal. As a trained chemical engineer, Jay brings his passion for science and engineering into the classroom. He uses teaching methods that position students to help the world. He has been recognized among various educational communities for his work, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the 100 Black Men organization, and Franklin H. Williams’ Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. He also served on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Science Standards Writing Committee. Jay will be a sixth-grade mathematics and science teacher at the International Community School of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia for the upcoming school year.

picture of Jay Garvey Shah
Jay Garvey Shah

Susan Hammer is a first-grade teacher at Sauk Trail Elementary School in Middleton, Wisconsin. She received the Presidential Award for Excellence in K-6 Mathematics. She has been an educator for 32 years, 28 of them teaching first grade. As an educator of very young learners, Susan focuses on the love of learning, creating a classroom community through meaningful hands-on activities and varied grouping. Students are held to high expectations, encouraged to share their thinking while participating in valuable discourse. Susan is a recipient of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Education Trust Award and is a leader in mathematics instruction, support, and coaching through the Mathematics Institute of Wisconsin (formerly WSMI).

picture of Susan Hammer
Susan Hammer

For program information and who to contact for questions, visit the Department of Public Instruction Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Website.