Two RI Teachers Receive Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching
GoLocalProv News Team
Two RI Teachers Receive Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching
The award winners are Portsmouth’s Karen Moore for her work in science and Providence’s Alyssa Wood, also for her work in science.
“The Presidential Award, for me, honors my commitment to create authentic and memorable learning opportunities for my students. Together we ask questions and solve problems to gain understanding of the world around and beyond us, and to become informed thinkers in society. The ultimate satisfaction as an educator is to bear witness to the energy and excitement that consumes the classroom as students are on the brink of discovery and wonderment,” said Wood.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMoore added, “Being recognized with the prestigious Presidential Award is both gratifying and inspiring. This award symbolizes the collaborative efforts of my colleagues, administrators, community members, and most of all, the students with whom I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. It inspires me to remain passionate in my work to engage young minds to be critical thinkers, real-life problem solvers, and life-long learners.”
The teachers were presented with the award on June 25 in Washington D.C.
With the award, both teachers received $10,000 from the National Science Foundation, a certificate signed by the President, and a trip to Washington D.C.
About Wood
Wood has taught science at Sophia Academy for eight of her 10 years as a teacher. She teaches fifth through eighth grade at the all-girls middle school, covering life science, earth and space science, physical science, and engineering.
Wood has presented at the National Science Teachers Association’s national conference on aligning curriculum to meet Next Generation Science Standards. She served as a mentor to master’s students in Brown University’s elementary education M.A.T program.
Wood is a member of the education committee at Save The Bay, a local organization that advocates for the protection and improvement of Narragansett Bay. Over the past 10 years, she has worked with UPP Arts, an organization that raises awareness around Providence’s largest natural freshwater pond and local watersheds.
Wood earned a B.A. in cultural anthropology from the University of Michigan and a M.A.T. in elementary education from Brown University.
She holds a Certificate of Eligibility for Employment in first through sixth-grade elementary education.
About Moore
She teaches all subjects for second grade at Howard W. Hathaway Elementary School, which is named after her great-grandfather.
Moore serves on the STEAM Advisory Team, Science Writing Curriculum Team, and the School Leadership Team.
She has presented at professional development workshops on topics such as reflex math, common core math practices, and using visuals and accommodations.
She earned a B.A. in family studies from the University of New Hampshire and a M.A.T. in elementary education from Rhode Island College.
She is certified in first through sixth grade in Rhode Island.
Presidential Award
In total, more than 140 individuals and organizations were honored with presidential awards this year.
Awardees represent schools in all 50 U.S. states, Department of Defense Education Activity schools and schools in the U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
"On behalf of the White House, I am honored to express the Nation’s gratitude for the tireless dedication that these men and women bring to educating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Each day more and more jobs require a strong foundation in STEM education, so the work that you do as teachers and mentors helps ensure that all students can have access to limitless opportunities and the brightest of futures,” said Michael Kratsios, Deputy Assistant to the President for Technology Policy.
Kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), and mentors received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).
See the Full List of Winners HERE
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