Congratulations to WSD Math Content Leader Katherine Schack for winning the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)! The awards (for the last two years) were announced at the White House yesterday, and they are the highest recognition that a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Schack received the award for her classroom work at Lakeview Elementary, where she taught 2nd grade before her promotion to the District’s Math Instructional Leader in 2014.

"Working in the Wentzville School District with all of the extraordinary educators has taught me so much,” said Schack, one of only two educators in Missouri to be chosen for the award. “I am overwhelmed and honored to be chosen from such an amazing pool of applicants.” Schack is the fourth WSD educator to be nominated for this prestigious award and the second recipient of the award since 2012.

The awards are typically given annually to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. It recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that enhances student learning. "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,” said President Obama. “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.”

Schack and the other educators selected for this Presidential honor will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They will also be invited to Washington for an awards ceremony, educational events, and visits with members of Congress and the Administration. The PAEMST award was established by Congress in 1983 and the National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
For a complete list of winners, visithttp://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp…