Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction names six teachers as finalists for national award
(WFRV) – Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) announced six teachers as finalists for a national award on Thursday.
According to a release from the DPI, the six teachers named are finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, an award that is said to be considered the highest honor given by the United States government for math and science teachers.
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DPI officials say the following six teachers were announced as finalists for this award based on their deep knowledge of the subject they teach as well as for the way they facilitate and encourage student success:
Jacquelynn Bazylewicz, fifth-grade teacher (mathematics finalist), Edgewood Elementary, School District of Greenfield
Debra Heitman, fifth-grade teacher (mathematics finalist), Coleman Elementary School, Coleman School District
Mary Ellen Kanthack, sixth-grade teacher (science finalist), Brookwood Middle School, Genoa City Joint 2 School District
Sheila Kohl, fifth-sixth grade STEM teacher (science finalist), West De Pere Intermediate School, School District of West De Pere
Melissa Sperle, fifth-grade teacher (mathematics finalist), Winskill Elementary School, Lancaster Community Schools
Rhonda Veroeven, sixth-grade teacher (science finalist), Glacier Creek Middle School, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
These amazing teachers, all finalists for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, exemplify what it means to be an effective educator. They have expertise in math and science, and they have an unwavering passion and commitment. I know they inspire their students – they inspire all of us – and I congratulate them and thank them for going above and beyond in supporting their students.
State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching has been presented annually since 183 and each finalist is selected based on criteria required by the PAEMST program before then being reviewed by committees at both the state and national level.
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Of all the finalists throughout the country, one mathematics awardee and one science awardee will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation, professional development opportunities, and be honored at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C.
For more information about this program, click here.
