State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond named six exceptional mathematics and science teachers as finalists from California for the 2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). In partnership with the California Mathematics Council and the California Association of Science Educators, the California Department of Education recruits and selects nominees for the PAEMST program, which honors science and mathematics teachers who are leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education. The 2021 finalists featured a few local teachers.
All three mathematics finalists are from the L.A. and O.C area, including Kristen Donovan from Woodbridge High School in Irvine, Maria Garcia from Richard Henry Dana Middle School in Hawthorne and Stephanie Paris from Granada Hills Charter High School in Granada Hills. The Science Finalists are Garrett Lim from Walnut Valley Unified School District, Catherine Messenger from Los Gatos-Saratoga Unified School District and Zachary Moore from Hope Elementary School District in Santa Barbara.
“This has been a year full of significant challenges for students—personal, economic, and social. The teachers recognized today are giving their students the tools to help them tackle difficulties, find creative solutions, ask questions, and be the problem-solvers we need for the challenges of tomorrow,” Thurmond said. “These incredible educational mentors are driving preparation in math, technology, engineering, and science, including computer science, that connect students with the world around them and help them grow their skills to persevere in any endeavor.”
Congratulations to the finalists and all our local teachers. We appreciate all that you do!
