Six Northeast Wisconsin teachers have been named finalists for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recently announced that Debra Heitman, Sheila Kohl, Jacquelynn Bazylewicz, Melissa Sperle, Mary Ellen Kanthack, and Rhonda Veroeven are among the finalists for the 2024 award.
The PAEMST program recognizes K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers who demonstrate exceptional teaching skills and a deep commitment to their subject matter. These six teachers from Wisconsin were selected as finalists based on criteria set by state committees and will now be judged at the national level by a committee organized by the National Science Foundation.
Debra Heitman teaches fifth-grade math at Coleman Elementary School in the Coleman School District, while Sheila Kohl teaches fifth-sixth grade STEM at West De Pere Intermediate School in the School District of West De Pere. Jacquelynn Bazylewicz teaches fifth-grade math at Edgewood Elementary in the School District of Greenfield, while Melissa Sperle teaches fifth-grade math at Winskill Elementary School in the Lancaster Community Schools. Mary Ellen Kanthack teaches sixth-grade science at Brookwood Middle School in the Genoa City Joint 2 School District, while Rhonda Veroeven teaches sixth-grade science at Glacier Creek Middle School in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District.
One awardee in mathematics and one in science will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, as well as professional development opportunities. They will also be honored at an award ceremony in Washington D.C. The PAEMST award has been presented annually since 1983 to recognize outstanding K-12 STEM teachers from across the country.
These six talented educators have demonstrated a deep passion for their subject matter and a commitment to helping their students succeed academically and beyond. They should be proud of this recognition and continue to inspire future generations of scientists and mathematicians.
Overall, these awards not only honor these educators but also serve as an inspiration to other teachers across Northeast Wisconsin and beyond to strive for excellence in their own classrooms.