Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

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The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. The Awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.

Awards are given to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).

The award recognizes those 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. Since the program's inception, more than 5,000 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

Eligibility, Nominations, Applications, and State Finalists

Colorado's 2023-2024 State Finalists

Kathleen McDonnell is a fourth-grade teacher at Meeker Elementary School in Greeley-Evans School District 6. She holds a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming and has taught for six years. McDonnell's application highlighted her strong content knowledge and use of instructional strategies that promote quality conversations in the math classroom. Alison Ferguson, the Meeker Elementary principal, praises McDonnell's preparation: "Part of what makes Kate's classroom the most effective is her ability to consistently plan and evaluate her instruction based on knowledge from student exit tickets, monitoring notes, and assessing questions that she asks as she monitors."

Tiffany Miera, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Needham Elementary School in Durango School District 9R, is a fifteen-year teaching veteran with four years in her current position. She holds a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Fort Lewis College and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Miera's principal, Caleb Alderton, calls her "an exemplary teacher" who "goes above and beyond in providing students with opportunities, access, and leadership in education both inside and outside the classroom." Miera is a 2022 recipient of the Milken Educator Award.

Kristina Triplett is a fourth-grade teacher at STEM Lab Magnet School in the Adams 12 Five-Star School District. She holds an elementary education bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University as well as a master's degree in literacy from Middle Tennessee State. She has been teaching for eight years, with four at STEM Lab. "She is able to be both nurturing and encouraging while maintaining the highest expectations and level of discipline," says Eyan Shields, principal of STEM Lab. "I would be hard-pressed to find an individual more dedicated to the success of a system as Kristina has been while at STEM Lab."

Colorado's Latest Awardees in Mathematics

Sidney Cerise, Early College Academy, Greeley-Evans School District 6

2023 Awardee for 7-12 Mathematics | Official PAEMST Profile Page

"The Presidential Award represents more than personal acknowledgment; it celebrates the collective efforts of my fellow mathematics educators in my district. This accolade is immensely gratifying, as it underscores my students' relentless efforts toward achieving excellence in mathematics. Being recognized alongside esteemed colleagues is truly humbling. This honor will fuel my passion for mentoring other educators and enhancing the influence of mathematics within our diverse learning community."

Sidney Cerise has been an educator for more than 10 years and has spent the last seven years teaching mathematics and science at Early College Academy. She currently teaches 9th-11th grade Algebra II and ninth grade physical education. Sidney previously taught eighth grade mathematics at Franklin Middle School.

In addition to teaching mathematics, Sidney is an active member of the Early College Academy and district community. She serves on the school leadership team, sponsors the Student Council, develops and leads professional development at the school and district level, as well as serves on many curriculum and assessment committees.

Sidney cultivates a welcoming classroom environment centered around student discourse and collaboration. She utilizes teaching practices that allow students to engage in rigorous mathematics with structured support. Students can facilitate their learning in her classroom through valuable feedback and individualized instruction.

Sidney earned her B.S in mathematics from the University of Northern Colorado; a Master of Mathematics Education from the University of Idaho; and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a certified 7-12 mathematics teacher and holds her principal license.

Amanda Jaquette, Brown International Academy, Denver Public Schools

2022 Awardee for K-6 Mathematics | Official PAEMST Profile Page

"The Presidential Award is truly an honor of a lifetime. I am humbled to be recognized in a cohort of such inspiring, innovative educators. My passion and enthusiasm for teaching mathematics is at the core of everything I do. This award is a recognition of my commitment to making teaching fun and the belief that it can be a great equalizer in education. I am so grateful to my colleagues, mentors, students, and families that have shared in my passion throughout my career."

Amanda Jaquette has been teaching at Brown International Academy, a public International Baccalaureate elementary school, for the past eight years. She has taught fourth and fifth grades, as well as mathematics intervention and currently serves as the Senior Team Lead and Gifted Talented Coordinator. Prior to teaching at Brown International, Amanda spent nine years teaching at Eisenhower Elementary School where she served as a mathematics representative for her school.

Students in her mathematics classes frequently take part in hands-on learning to explore concepts such as measurement volume. They apply their skills to real-world problems, such as designing a recreation center for their city. Her passion for elementary mathematics education has been an integral part of her career as a classroom teacher.

Amanda serves as the Math Content Lead for her school, where she develops and implements professional development in mathematics for teachers.

Amanda earned a B.S. in psychology, a certification in elementary education, and an M.S. in curriculum and instruction with a focus in mathematics, all from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Jacob Thompson, STEM Lab, Adams 12 Five-Star Schools

2021 Awardee for 7-12 Mathematics | Official PAEMST Profile Page

"The Presidential Award motivates me to find new ways to give students the best experience that I can. Like many working in education during and after the pandemic, I have felt lost, tired, and defeated. Regardless, students need inspirational teachers that care about them now more than ever, and this award is a reminder that I want to take part in reimagining education. I am lucky to have so many amazing educators in my life that constantly inspire me to be better, and I owe this award to them."

Jacob “Jake” Thompson teaches eighth grade computer science and digital literacy, and previously taught eighth grade mathematics, at STEM Lab, where he has spent the past four years of his 11-year career in education. Before this, he taught at Conrady Junior High School, where he spent one year as the Technology Instruction Coordinator after teaching sixth through eighth grade mathematics for four years. He spent the first year of his career at Oak Prairie Junior High teaching seventh grade mathematics.

Jake has a passion for creating memorable experiences for his students. He loves crafting lessons around current events that will spark curiosity and engage students in the mathematics they are learning. His students also participate in Problem Based Learning projects each year, where they work in groups to come up with their own solutions to authentic problems before presenting to a panel of industry experts. His favorite project thus far had students find more equitable and impactful ways to administer fines for low-level crimes, where they supported their solutions with relevant data found through their own research.

One of Jake’s strongest skills as a teacher is utilizing technology to help his students grow as 21st century learners. Beyond the typical technology tools used in mathematics classrooms, he utilizes robotics and coding to have students practice or demonstrate understanding of concepts they have learned. He has conducted many school and districtwide sessions throughout his career to help teachers use technology in their classrooms.

Jake earned a B.S., cum laude, in mathematics teacher education from Illinois State University and an M.A.Ed. with a technology specialist endorsement from Dominican University. He is certified to teach mathematics grades 7-12.

Past Awardees in Mathematics