West Hartford Science Teacher Wins National Teaching Award

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford science teacher has received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, a recognition that comes with a $10,000 award and paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Lori Durocher, who teaches a "full inclusion kindergarten program" at Norfeldt Elementary School, was one of two teachers in Connecticut to be included in this year's class of awardees.

Durocher will travel to Washington, D.C. to attend recognition events and professional development opportunities. She will also receive $10,00 from the National Science Foundation and a certificate signed by President Joe Biden.

In a statement, Durocher said the award is reflective of her commitment to creating "innovative and motivating" science instructional practices.

"It is a reflection of my students, their families, as well as my supportive colleagues who have inspired and encouraged me to grow as an educator," Durocher said. "They've understood and supported my drive to find ways for every young learner to engage in innovative challenges, collaborative discoveries, and amazing adventures through the field of science."

The award is the highest honor the United States government can bestow for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teaching, according to the program's website.

Congress established the award in 1983, and the president can recognize up to 108 teachers each year, the website said.

The other Connecticut awardee is Mallory Emmons, who teaches second-grade mathematics at The Peck Place School in Orange.