Ohio Teachers Recognized by President Obama

WASHINGTON, DC — President Obama has recognized 213 math and science teachers as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The 213 teachers represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process at the state level. Each nomination year of the award alternates between teachers in the kindergarten through 6th grade level, and those teaching 7th through 12th grades. The cohort of awardees named today represent two nomination years, one of teachers in kindergarten through 6th grade classrooms and the other in 7th through 12th grade classrooms.

Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion, and are invited to Washington, DC, for an awards ceremony, as well educational and celebratory events, and visits with members of the Administration.

"The recipients of this award are integral to ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to our Nation’s success,” President Obama said. “As the United States continues to lead the way in the innovation that is shaping our future, these excellent teachers are preparing students from all corners of the country with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills that help keep us on the cutting-edge.”

President Obama and his Administration have taken significant steps to strengthen education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields in order to fully harness the promise our Nation’s students. The President’s Educate to Innovate campaign, launched in November 2009, has resulted in more than $1 billion in private investment for improving K-12 STEM education.

Obama recognized the following teachers from Ohio (Click on the teacher name or photo for full bio):

Grades K-6 Award Cohort

Marcy Burns, Main Street Intermediate School, Science (Norwalk)

Susan Dankworth, Thomas E. Hook Elementary School, Mathematics (Troy)

Grades 7-12 Award Cohort

Amy Roediger, Mentor High School, Science

Beth Vavzincak, Normandy High School, Mathematics

The nationwide list of Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching awardees can be viewed here.

Image courtesy of paemst.org