FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 21, 2025

Contact: Denise Kahler, director, Communications and Recognition Programs, denise.kahler@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4876

Six Kansas educators receive top U.S. award for science, math teaching

TOPEKA — President Biden recently announced the recognition of six Kansas educators, from 2021 through 2023, for their outstanding teaching skills through the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, which was established in 1983 by Congress, is presented annually to outstanding K-12 science (including computer science) and mathematics teachers from across the U.S. Each awardee receives a certificate signed by the president of the United States and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level.

Nominees complete a rigorous application process that requires them to demonstrate their excellence in content knowledge and ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.

The six Kansas educators winning the PAEMST award are the following: (Click on the names to see the awardees’ biographies at the time of their awards, photos and statements about receiving the award.)

• 2021- 7-12 Science: Erica Huggard, Emporia High School, Emporia USD 253
• 2021 – 7-12 Mathematics: Elizabeth Self, Kepley Middle School, Ulysses USD 214
• 2022 – K-6 Science: Todd Flory, Wheatland Elementary School, Andover USD 385
• 2022 – K-6 Mathematics: Angela Gray, Atchison Elementary School, Atchison USD 409
• 2023 – 7-12 Mathematics: Robin Anderson, Andover Middle School, Andover USD 385
• 2023 – 7-12 Science: Jennifer Hendrix, Dodge City High School, Dodge City USD 443

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