Finalists for STEM teaching award are announced

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Finalists for STEM teaching award are announced
Carol McKay headshot

Carol McKay, a pre-calculus and algebra teacher at Capital High School, is one of five finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). 

 

McKay is one of only two state-level finalists for the math award. The other three Washington educators are finalists for the science award.


State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced the state PAEMST finalists in a press release issued on October 2. The release describes the award as "the highest honor bestowed on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science teachers."

 

“We know math and science is critical to helping today’s students grow into tomorrow’s innovators,” Reykdal wrote in the release. "The way these five educators balance competing priorities in the classroom is remarkable. Teaching in math and science classrooms is no small feat – these educators include teaching sequential standards, weaving in dynamic hands-on learning, maintaining high safety standards, connecting the classroom to the community, and incorporating the most contemporary research.”


A committee comprised of STEM experts and award-winning teachers selected the five finalists over summer 2019. National awardees will be based on content mastery, use of effective instructional methods, effective use of assessments, reflective practice, life-long learning and leadership in education inside and outside the classroom. The PAEMST program typically announces national award recipients in the spring.


This isn't the first time McKay, a National Board Certified Teacher, has been honored at the state level. In 2017, she was named the Capital Region Educational Service District (ESD 113) Teacher of the Year.

 

Congratulations Carol McKay on being selected as a state PAEMST finalist!