Presidential Teaching Award Finalists Announced

Nashville, TN – Four Tennessee teachers have been named finalists for the 2007 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), a program sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Each year, up to 108 teachers become national winners in recognition of excellence and leadership in math and science education. National winners receive $10,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. for a series of awards banquets and networking events. 

“Governor Bredesen has helped expand opportunities in math and science education for Tennessee students because he believes these areas are the foundation for emerging careers,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “Exceptional teachers like these nominees take opportunities and transform them into success stories for students. I congratulate these finalists on a tremendous and well-deserved honor.”

The Tennessee finalists in science are Julie Pepperman, who teaches at Bearden Middle School in Knox County, and Jennifer Berry-Rickert, a teacher at Stratford High School in Metro Nashville Public Schools. The Tennessee finalists in Math are Bob King of Friendship Christian School in Lebanon and Tracy Russell Easterling of Vance Middle School in Bristol City Schools.

“Teachers are the heart of instruction,” said Susan Bunch, Assistant Commissioner for Teaching and Learning. “These teachers have found a way to bring state standards to life to provide their students a rich learning experience.”

Outstanding educators who teach full time and have at least five years of experience are eligible to be nominated by a fellow educator or community member. The program recognizes teachers of grades 7-12 in odd-numbered years and teachers of grades K-6 in even-numbered years. Tennessee honored its finalists at a banquet this week where they also received a cash award from Greeneville-based Niswonger Foundation.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.