Two Michigan Educators Chosen to Receive Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teaching
Contact:
Martin Ackley, Public Information Officer (517) 241-4395
Agency:
Education
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LANSING –Two Michigan elementary mathematics and science educators have been chosen as recipients of the 2004 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
“Our Presidential Awardees are role models for educators across our state and nation,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “We are proud to have such highly accomplished teachers in Michigan helping children discover the wonders of learning.”
“These teachers use innovative and interactive teaching methods that engage their students to develop an interest in mathematics and science and give them a context in which they can excel,” said State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus.
Presidential Awardees from Michigan are:
Science
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Elizabeth Larwa
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Spencer Elementary School Brighton Area Schools
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Mathematics
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Beverly Fanelli
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Fox Elementary School Chippewa Valley Schools Clinton Township
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Established by Congress in 1983, the annual presidential awards program identifies outstanding mathematics and science teachers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories and the U.S. Department of Defense Schools. This year’s recipients—chosen by a panel of leading mathematicians, scientists, and educators in conjunction with the White House—are K-6th grade teachers.
The week-long celebration in Washington, DC includes an awards ceremony, professional learning opportunities, conversations with leaders in education policy, and opportunities to meet dignitaries from the executive and legislative branches.
The PAEMST program, established in 1983 by the White House, is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Recognition for Presidential Awardees includes a special citation signed by the President of the United States; a $10,000 honorarium from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and gifts from donors; and a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. to attend special recognition events and meet with leaders in government and education, and attend sessions to share ideas and teaching experiences.
Later this year, all the Presidential Awardees will travel to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to participate in the Disney Youth Education Series programs, where the teachers will go behind the scenes of the theme parks to examine and explore science, leadership, history, and art.
NSF is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering with an annual budget of nearly $5.47 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 universities and institutions. NSF also awards over $200 million in professional and service contracts yearly.
For more information on the Presidential Awards, please visit www.michigan.gov/mde . Click on Recognition Programs. Click on Presidential Awards. The 2005 Presidential Award nominations are currently open for mathematics and science teachers in grades 7-12. Public, private, and parochial school teachers can be nominated by anyone except themselves. For more information, visit www.paemst.org.
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