PAEMST Information

Congratulations to Tapp Hancock, a Wayside Elementary [(http://wayside.bcsd.com/)] teacher who was recently awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation's highest commendation for K-12 math and science teachers.

This award recognizes a combination of sustained and exemplary work, both inside and outside the classroom and leadership towards the improvement of mathematics and science education. Each year the program recognizes outstanding teachers from across the United States for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. The Awards were established in 1983 by an Act of Congress and are administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation.

Tapp was selected by a national panel for her development of the Han-5 mathematics system [(see http://www.han5math.com/)] It's a learning tool that utilizes the hands of the students to help them remember math facts through nine different number patterns. After students practice the system, they are able to drop their hands and mentally recall the math facts presented.

As the national award winner, Tapp received a grant of $10,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and may use the money at her discretion to promote math and science education. She also received an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC last week, during which she received a certificate signed by the President. [See http://www.paemst.org/ for links to photos of this year's award recipients with President Bush at the White House on May 18, receiving their awards, etc.]

Tapp was in awe of the events of the week, "WOW...what an incredible experience and week." She went on, "The week of PAEMST festivities was phenomenal. The National Science Foundation allowed us to be part-time employees, so we could attend meetings with their top scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Every function and meeting was so informative about how we can make a difference in our students' lives and in education.  It was an honor and privilege to meet and spend time with so many wonderful, talented math and science teachers across our country. I want to thank my District and School Board for supporting and giving me the opportunity to attend. I will cherish these memories forever and encourage all of our great Math and Science teachers to try out for this award."
 

For more information about the PAEMST, visit http://www.paemst.org/page.cfm?pageID=2  The application deadline for the 2008 award (limited to K-6 teachers of mathematics and/or science) is May 1, 2008. California's mathematics contact for the PAEMST is Sandra Gilliam: gilliam7@msn.com For science, the California contact is Charlotte Keuscher-Barkman: ckeuscherbarkman@cde.ca.gov or 916-319-0408.

Tapp Hancock Receives the Presidential Award 
for Excellence in [Elementary] Mathematics 
Teaching
Source: Bakersfield City School District (Press Release) - 25 May 2007
URL: http://www.bcsd.com/stories/storyReader$616