For Immediate Release: March 21, 2022
Contact: Charles Pyle (804) 371-2420
RICHMOND — Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow today announced Virginia’s finalists for the 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award — regarded as the nation’s top honor for math and science teachers — recognizes educators who develop and implement high-quality instructional programs that improve student learning in mathematics and science.
The commonwealth’s three finalists — who were selected by review committees convened by the Virginia Department of Education — are as follows:
- Damien Ettere, grades 3-6 mathematics teacher, Armstrong Elementary, Fairfax County.
- Sarah Flippen, kindergarten teacher, Madison Elementary, Caroline County.
- Marie Peaches, fifth-grade teacher, James K. Polk Elementary, Alexandria.
“Virginia’s 2022 finalists engage their students with hands-on instruction that reveals how math and science surround them every day, regardless of who they are or where they are” Balow said. “They believe as I do that all students learn and achieve more when challenged and encouraged to meet high expectations in math and science.”
The National Science Foundation administers the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program on behalf of the White House. The award alternates annually between teachers in grades K-6 and teachers in grades 7-12.
Following a national review of the finalist applications from each state, U.S. territory and state-level education system, the White House will announce the awardees of the 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Awardees each receive a $10,000 unrestricted award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate and a trip to the nation’s capital for a series of recognition events and professional development activities.
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