Tuesday, June 28, 2022
The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently invited all 2019 and 2020 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) awardees to visit Washington, D.C.
Among those who traveled to the nation’s capital in May to be honored were four PAEMST awardees from Wisconsin.
- Katie Haas, Edgar School District (mathematics) - 2019 PAEMST Awardee
- Karen Olson, School District of Baraboo (science) - 2019 PAEMST Awardee
- Leigh Kohlmann, Waupun Area School District (science) - 2020 PAEMST Awardee
- Lois Womack, Milwaukee Public Schools (mathematics) - 2020 PAEMST Awardee
On their visit, the group of Wisconsin PAEMST awardees visited the National Portrait Gallery, the FUTURES exhibit as part of the Smithsonian Institution, heard from key members of the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy, networked with other mathematics and science educators from across the nation, and were recognized for receiving the PAEMST during an awards ceremony.
The PAEMST are considered the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. Established in 1983, the PAEMST recognize teachers who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas.
PAEMST awardees receive a certificate signed by the president of the United States, a paid trip to Washington, D.C., a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.
For more information on the program, visit the PAEMST’s website. Teacher nominations for grades 7-12 will begin in the fall. For more information on Wisconsin’s role in the program, visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s website.