Colonial Nation is proud to announce that the Delaware selection committee for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), has named two Colonial teachers as national finalists for this prestigious award! Erin Motley, a Science teacher at Gunning Bedford Middle School, and Corey Butterfield, a Science teacher at George Read Middle School, are being considered for the science awards in the category for grades 7-12. 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 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.
Up to three State Finalists in each award category, Mathematics and Science, are forwarded to a National Selection Committee composed of K–12 teachers, administrators, university professors, and STEM education researchers who will meet to select the PAEMST awardees at the national level. The teachers chosen to be Presidential Awardees will be notified by the White House, honored in Washington, D.C., will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation; and join a cadre of award-winning teachers who can impact STEM education in Delaware and nationally.
Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Nicholas Baker says, “For Colonial to have not one but two finalists is a significant achievement for our district and for our science program. It affirms our commitment to ongoing professional development and collaboration among our staff. Both Corey and Erin are leaders within their schools and their department who embody the spirit of this recognition and motivate their students each day to be problem solvers. They embody the Power of We each and every day!
Congratulations to Erin and Corey for your outstanding achievements! Please extend your best wishes to them as Colonial Nation roots for a win on the national level!