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.
