Congratulations to Mrs. Allison Schmitz on receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching!
Allison Schmitz, a mathematics teacher from Northwestern Area School District, has been teaching both middle and high school for nine years. Currently, she teaches 6th Grade Mathematics through Algebra 2. Allison started a STEM career and technical education program at Northwestern and teaches Robotics, Introduction to Engineering, and Computer Programming in addition to her mathematics courses. Prior to her career at Northwestern, she spent two years as a substitute teacher and two years teaching remedial mathematics courses and supervising mathematics laboratories at Northern State University. Allison works to build engagement in her classes by incorporating real-world projects into her mathematics courses, using cross-curricular activities, and utilizing group activities inside and outside the classroom walls. One of the students’ favorite activities is analyzing a crime scene using trigonometry. She has participated in the South Dakota Mathematics and Science Leadership Program and has presented sessions at the SD STEM Education Conference. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is the middle school liaison for the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Allison graduated from Northern State University in 2013 with a B.S.Ed., in honoribus summa cum laude, in mathematics and earned her M.Ed., summa cum laude, in curriculum and instruction and classroom technology from Concordia University in 2014. She is certified in secondary mathematics with endorsements in middle level mathematics, K-12 classroom technology and distance educator, STEM career cluster, and has her specialist certificate for technology integrationist and technology coordinator.
President Biden announced 336 teachers and mentors from around the nation as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)
Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Award recipients over the years represent schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).
Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.
A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess nominations before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)
Established by Congress in 1995, this award has honored the hard work and dedication mentors exhibit in broadening participation in STEM pathways. This award honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in mentoring individuals from groups that are underrepresented in STEM education and the workforce. Colleagues, administrators, and students nominate individuals and organizations for exemplary mentoring sustained over a minimum of five years.
A national selection committee assesses the nominations before recommending awardees to the National Science Foundation and OSTP.
The National Science Foundation, which manages PAEMST and PAESMEM on behalf of OSTP, provides each recipient $10,000. For more information, please visit PAEMST (www.paemst.org) and PAESMEM (www.paesmem.net).