District Five teacher named finalist for presidential award

For Immediate Release – July 6, 2016

District Five teacher named finalist for presidential award

CHAPIN – Mrs. Yvonne Strange continues to rack up the accolades as she was named a state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The fifth grade teacher at Chapin Intermediate School was just recently named the 2016 Youth Financial Educator of the Year by Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union.

“I am so honored and excited to represent the state of South Carolina and School District Five as a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching,” said Strange. “Every day I strive to bring passion and curiosity about math and science to my students and empower them with confidence, perseverance, and excitement while growing to new heights in their academic life.”

When asked about the finalist selection, Chapin Intermediate School principal Vann Holden was ecstatic. “We are delighted that Mrs. Strange has been selected as a finalist for this award,” Holden said. “She has had a tremendous impact on our school and students this year partnering with other teachers to develop and implement an engaging and challenging curriculum for math and science. She is a wonderful representative of teachers in our school, district and state.”

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Since 1983, more than 4,400 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

“PAEMST awardees have been shown to devote more time to professional development, incorporate innovative approaches into their classroom teaching and be more likely to use computers and other technologies in their classrooms,” said PAEMST State Mathematics Coordinator Janel Johnson.

Winners of the award earn a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation. This growing network of award-winning teachers serves as a vital resource for improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, and keeping America globally competitive.

“I am blessed to work with talented educators at the school and district level who have helped me to grow and flourish,” said Strange. “My exceptional students and supportive parents in this community are the reason this achievement was even possible.