(Minneapolis, MN) — March 23, 2023 — The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is pleased to announce that four Minnesota teachers have been selected as 2023 finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Minnesota finalists are:
- Lainey Bristow, Hiawatha Collegiate High School, Minneapolis. Science Finalist
- Jill Jensen, Scott Highlands Middle School, Apple Valley. Science Finalist
- Beth Robelia, St. Paul Public Schools Online High School, St Paul. Science Finalist
- Alexis Wolf, John Glenn Middle School in Maplewood. Mathematics Finalist
“I am honored to announce the Minnesota finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science,” said MDE Commissioner Willie Jett. “Lainey, Jill, Beth and Alexis demonstrate expertise and dedication in their classrooms and are exemplary of the work being done by teachers throughout the state to engage students in learning about STEM.”
PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for U.S. K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teachers. The award is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The finalists represent the most outstanding teachers Minnesota has to offer, and they serve as both a model and an inspiration to fellow teachers. 2023 Minnesota finalists will be recognized informally during STEM day at the Minnesota State Fair, and formally during the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference and the Minnesota Science Teachers Association conference.
Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from NSF, a Presidential certificate and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence STEM teaching in Minnesota and nationwide.
For more information about PAEMST, visit https://paemst.nsf.gov.
