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JACKSON, Miss. – Two Mississippi teachers are 2018 state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program. The PAEMST Program is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science).
The two state finalists are Shelby Miller, 5th and 6th grade science teacher at Singing River Academy in the Pascagoula Gautier School District, and Theresa (Terry) Rose, 3rd and 5th grade science teacher at Stone Elementary in the Stone County School District. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.
“These teachers are examples of the extraordinary educators we have in our classrooms across the state, and I congratulate them on earning this national recognition for their hard work and dedication to the profession,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.
The PAEMST program, established in 1983 by the White House, allows each state to select up to five state finalists in mathematics and up to five state finalists in science. One of the state finalists in each content area will be selected as the Presidential Awardee for the state, which is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.
Miller, who also has taught English language arts as part of her nine-year career, said the purpose of teaching is “to create a community of lifelong learners by investing in human capital.” She is an example of that philosophy as she seeks to earn an education leadership degree within the next year.
“I feel honored to have been chosen for this prestigious award, and I am blessed to have a strong support system at my school that helped guide me through the application process,” Miller said.
A 29-year veteran teacher, Rose said she is “both honored to be selected and awed by the company of fellows” who share in the accomplishment of being named a state finalist for PAEMST.
“My philosophy of teaching is summarized wonderfully (with this): ‘Teaching is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire!’,” Rose said.
