Waunakee Teacher Wins National Award

William "Jay" Farnsworth, a science teacher at Waunakee Intermediate School, has been awarded the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. He is the only Wisconsin teacher to receive the award and is among 93 recipients nationwide.

The awards are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science. The awards recognize highly qualified K-12 teachers for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

Farnsworth received $10,000 from the National Science Foundation and was honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Farnsworth said he encourages a hands-on approach to learning. "I try to begin each unit with an intriguing, hands-on activity or a puzzling event that no one in the class understands," he said. "This method puts everyone on a level playing field and allows us to enter the unit with excitement and a common experience.

"My teaching style is visual, high-energy and fast-paced," he continued. From the first day of class, I treat all of my students like prospective scientists who are champing at the bit to learn. This usually gets a strong and positive response from my students that lasts throughout the year."

Farnsworth is a National Board certified teacher. He also leads the Waunakee Community School District's summer technology academy.

Farnsworth was one of five teachers from the state to be nominated for the award. Winners are recommended by a panel of mathematicians, scientists and educators. The program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House.

Posted May 25, 2007