12 Nominated for Presidential Teaching Awards
from the DPI Bulletin
Twelve Wisconsin teachers have been nominated for the Presidential Awards
for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching program.
The Presidential Teaching Awards program recognizes elementary and secondary
teachers for their commitment and dedication to nurturing student interest
in science and mathematics. Each state finalist receives $750 and will
be recognized at an awards program and reception at the Inn on the Park
in Madison September 14.
The science finalists are:
- Jessie Good of Fond du Lac, Kohler School District.
- Susan Inkmann of Menomonee Falls, Parkview Elementary School, Cedarburg.
- Hazel Luckett, A.E. Kagel Elementary School, Milwaukee.
- Joy Peterich, Menekaunee Elementary School, Marinette.
- Larry Scheckel, Tomah High School.
- Paul Tweed of Fall Creek, Augusta High School.
This year’s mathematics finalists are:
- Suzanne Folberg, Cherokee Heights Middle School, Madison.
- Cheryl Hoyt, Kennedy Elementary School, Madison.
- Diana Kasbaum of Windsor, Eastside Elementary School, Sun Prairie.
- Karen Kinyon of Whitelaw, Franklin Elementary School, Manitowoc.
- Gary Luck of Hubertus, Greendale High School.
- Michelle Parks of Altoona, Northstar Middle School, Eau Claire.
National selection panels will determine elementary and secondary science
and mathematics award recipients in each state.
“Although there is just one Presidential Teaching Award winner in
mathematics and science at both the elementary and secondary level —
a total of four in the state — nomination to this program is public
recognition of the outstanding contributions these individuals make to
the teaching profession,” said State Superintendent John T. Benson.
The 216 winners — representing the 50 states, District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. territories —
will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in conferences on precollege
science and mathematics teaching and a ceremony at the White House. Elementary
and secondary winners will have separate recognition programs and conferences.
The national winners also will receive a $7,500 grant to supplement their
schools’ science or mathematics budget. Grants can be used for acquiring
computer hardware or software, for staff development, or for special research
projects for staff members and students. The grant is administered under
the supervision of the winning teacher.
This National Science Foundation awards program, designed to improve
the image and status of mathematics and science teaching, was established
in 1983.
For more information on this program, contact Bev Kniess, at the state
Department of Public Instruction, (608) 267-9279
Posted August 13, 1999