Two Wisconsin Teachers Recognized as Finalists for Prestigious Presidential Awards in Mathematics and Science

In 2021, two Northeast Wisconsin educators have been named finalists for a national award, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced that six math and science teachers from across the state are finalists for this prestigious recognition, which is considered the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government for these subjects.

Among these finalists are Debra Heitman, a fifth-grade math teacher at Coleman Elementary School in the Coleman School District, and Sheila Kohl, a fifth-sixth grade STEM teacher at West De Pere Intermediate School in the School District of West De Pere. Rhonda Veroeven teaches mathematics and science in a different school district in the state. Other finalists include Jacquelynn Bazylewicz, Melissa Sperle, Mary Ellen Kanthack who teach mathematics and science in various districts across the state.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is an annual program that recognizes K-12 teachers from across the nation who excel in teaching science, technology, engineering, mathematics or computer science subjects. Each state establishes committees to select finalists based on criteria established by the national program. The finalists from Wisconsin will now have their applications judged at the national level by a committee organized by the National Science Foundation, which administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

One awardee in mathematics and one awardee in science will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation along with professional development opportunities to further their skills as educators. These awards recognize not only their dedication to teaching but also their excellence in educating future generations of scientists and mathematicians.