Six Kentucky teachers have received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), representing the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics teaching.

The Kentucky teachers among the 336 teachers and mentors from around the nation selected for the awards are:

• Miranda Messer, Jefferson County;
• Benjamin Molberger, Jefferson County;
• Hillary McWhorter, Fayette County (KSTA Board Member)
• Nova Pleman, Fayette County;
• Marcus Blakeney, Jefferson County; and
• Matthew Bryant, Warren County.

A national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics and science education researchers, district level personnel and classroom teachers recommend up to 110 teachers each year to receive PAEMST awards. The nomination is given to up to two teachers in mathematics and/or science from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories, along with schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity in the U.S. and overseas. 

Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), a presidential certificate and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state/jurisdiction and national STEM teaching.

The awards program is administered by the NSF on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

https://pimser.org/science-professional-learning-opportunities/

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is inviting high school teachers to become Health DataWell Ambassadors during the 2025-26 academic year. Ambassadors will implement the Health DataWell High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) in their classrooms and help to amplify the reach and impact of these materials – both locally and nationally. NSTA Professional Learning experts will lead Ambassadors through various virtual professional learning experiences throughout the year, preparing them for presentations at NSTA’s Spring National Conference in Anaheim, CA, April 15-18, 2026.

Please read this flyer for more information. The application deadline is August 8, 2025.

Happy Friday!

Just wanted to let you know that teachers can now sign up for Adopt A Cow for next school year! Here is our message to them and anyone who wants to join. Feel free to spread the word!

Over 1.7M students joined Adopt a Cow last year—now it’s your turn!  
 Perfect for any classroom 
 Live farm tours & virtual chats 
 Common Core-aligned 
 Totally FREE 
 Enroll by Sept. 15: discoverdairy.com/adopt 

Visit PIMSER.org to learn more about the Partnership in Mathematics and Science Education Reform's summer Math and Science Professional Development offerings! 

Bring the World of Nanotechnology to Your Classroom with Virtual NanoSIMST 2025!

Are you a middle school science teacher eager to engage your students with cutting-edge STEM concepts? The Virtual Nanoscience Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers (NanoSIMST) is your opportunity to explore the fascinating world of nanotechnology—all from the comfort of home!

Dates: July 14-18, 2025
⏰ Time: 9 AM - 2 PM PST / 10 AM - 3 PM MST / 12 PM - 5 PM EST
Stipend: Up to $800 for full participation and classroom implementation

Join nanoscience experts from Stanford University’s nano@stanford and the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) to:
✅ Learn fundamental nanoscience concepts in simple, engaging ways
✅ Gain hands-on instructional materials and lesson plans
✅ Explore real-world applications, including semiconductor industry careers
✅ Discover virtual and in-person student learning opportunities

This fully remote, 5-day institute is designed to deepen your content knowledge, enhance your teaching strategies, and connect you with a nationwide network of STEM educators and resources. Don't miss this chance to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators!

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early!
Final deadline: April 26, 2025
Questions? Contact dmduran@stanford.edu

Learn more and apply today! 

Forget the guinea pig. How about adopting a 1,500-pound dairy cow for your classroom mascot? Don’t worry about finding a pen big enough to hold her. The photos and stories we’ll send you about her life on the farm will make her come alive for your students! The Discover Dairy “Adopt a Cow” program is an exciting, year-long experience for your classroom. Throughout the program, you’ll get an inside look at dairy farming and be paired with a calf from Triple H Dairy in Kentucky. You’ll find out what her name is, when her birthday is, where she lives, and how the farmer takes care of her. You’ll also receive progress updates, photos of the cow, live chats from the farm, activity sheets for your students, suggested lessons that follow Common CORE standards, and even opportunities to write letters to your calf! All updates are easily accessible via an online portal and app for Apple and Android. Registration for this school year ends September 15, so join the moo-vement now that has impacted 1+ million students across the globe! Visit www.discoverdairy.com/adopt to learn more about the free program. Discover Dairy is an educational series managed locally by the Dairy Excellence Foundation in partnership with The Dairy Alliance.

Contact Matti Coffey for more information at mcoffey@thedairyalliance.com!

The University of Kentucky’s Center For Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences (UK-CARES) is excited to announce the 2^nd annual free UK-CARES Climate & Health Teachers (K-12) workshop that will be held virtually Weds., August 21, 2024, 4-6 pm ET.  The flyer (with registration link) and agenda are attached.  The workshop meets the Next Generation Science Standards.  Attendees will receive confirmation of 2-hours of professional development training.

This free interactive workshop will help answer the following questions:

• What does climate change look like in Kentucky?
• How does climate change influence human health?
• What can we do about climate change?
• What opportunities exist for incorporating climate and health content into classroom instruction?

Registration link: https://bit.ly/4cn6h1z

A FREE, virtual, two-hour professional development workshop about Climate and Health will be hosted on Aug. 21, 4-6 PM ET, for K-12 teachers in Kentucky. This workshop will help answer the following questions:

• What does climate change look like in Kentucky?
• How does climate change influence human health?
• What can we do about climate change?
• What opportunities exists for incorporating climate and health content into classroom instruction?

The workshop is hosted by the University of Kentucky’s Center For Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences (UK-CARES) and is designed by and for educators. All Kentucky teachers (K-12) are welcome. The workshop content aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards. Register soon, space is limited. Attendees will receive confirmation of two hours of professional development upon completion of an online evaluation.

 

To register, contact organizer Kelly Kennoy.