The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the nation's highest honor for a K-12 Mathematics or Science Teacher in the United States.
I was completely touched when a former colleague of mine in CPS nominated me back in March of 2012. Knowing the honor associated with the award, I decided to apply. I am truly passionate about science literacy and science teaching. Our country depends on it, and preparing students with a foundation NOW will allow them to be able to solve problems we are not yet aware of. That is my utmost hope.
My application was due May 1st, 2012 and it was honestly, the most challenging and rewarding part of my teaching career thus far. It truly opened my thinking to a level I never imagined it could go. After multiple letters of recommendation (current colleagues/administration, former administration and students), nearly 30 pages of the actual application itself and a video component, I was exhausted by May 1st. Many nights between my nomination and my application I felt like I was in college again pulling all-nighters.
In the beginning of July 2012, I was notified that I was a science state finalist. I was floored! I couldn't believe it. I simply couldn't believe it. I feel that this accomplishment could be so many other teachers' accomplishments, too. My teaching has been molded and inspired by the many teachers with whom I have worked with during my teaching career. My colleagues here at STEM Magnet Academy, and at all the other places I have worked in CPS, in the non-profit world and in a private school...this award is for them, too. Thank you for your guidance, inspiration, mentorship and passion towards math and science education.
The other finalist and I were honored at the Illinois Science Teachers Conference in November, 2012. It is truly an honor to have made it thus far. I am still waiting to hear the final results, which are expected sometime this spring, 2013.
Chicago Journal Article
I was completely touched when a former colleague of mine in CPS nominated me back in March of 2012. Knowing the honor associated with the award, I decided to apply. I am truly passionate about science literacy and science teaching. Our country depends on it, and preparing students with a foundation NOW will allow them to be able to solve problems we are not yet aware of. That is my utmost hope.
My application was due May 1st, 2012 and it was honestly, the most challenging and rewarding part of my teaching career thus far. It truly opened my thinking to a level I never imagined it could go. After multiple letters of recommendation (current colleagues/administration, former administration and students), nearly 30 pages of the actual application itself and a video component, I was exhausted by May 1st. Many nights between my nomination and my application I felt like I was in college again pulling all-nighters.
In the beginning of July 2012, I was notified that I was a science state finalist. I was floored! I couldn't believe it. I simply couldn't believe it. I feel that this accomplishment could be so many other teachers' accomplishments, too. My teaching has been molded and inspired by the many teachers with whom I have worked with during my teaching career. My colleagues here at STEM Magnet Academy, and at all the other places I have worked in CPS, in the non-profit world and in a private school...this award is for them, too. Thank you for your guidance, inspiration, mentorship and passion towards math and science education.
The other finalist and I were honored at the Illinois Science Teachers Conference in November, 2012. It is truly an honor to have made it thus far. I am still waiting to hear the final results, which are expected sometime this spring, 2013.
Chicago Journal Article