Two Wisconsin teachers have been named finalists for a prestigious national award, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Debra Heitman, a fifth-grade math teacher at Coleman Elementary School in the Coleman School District, and Sheila Kohl, a fifth-sixth grade STEM teacher at West De Pere Intermediate School in the School District of West De Pere are among the six Wisconsin mathematics and science teachers who have made it to the final round.
The award is considered the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government for math and science teachers, recognizing K-12 teachers from across the nation in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science. The finalists from Wisconsin will now have their applications judged at the national level by a committee organized by the National Science Foundation, which administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
One awardee in mathematics and one awardee in science will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation along with professional development opportunities. This recognition highlights the dedication and excellence of these teachers in the field of mathematics and science education.