Four teachers named finalists for award recognizing excellence in math and science

National EducationState Education
Written By Sky Arnold

Allison Wright (upper left), Amy Hixon (upper right), Jessica Dobrin (bottom left), and Candace Terry (bottom right) (Photos by the Tennessee Department of Education)

The Tennessee Department of Education announced the four teachers who are this year’s state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST award is considered the nation’s highest honor for U.S. K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers.

According to a news release sent to the Tennessee Firefly, awardees are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning, along with their ability to help students make progress in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science.

The Tennessee state finalists include:

  • Allison Wright, Science, Freedom Middle School, Franklin Special School District. 

  • Amy Hixon, Science, Lincoln Heights Middle School, Hamblen County Schools.

  • Jessica Dobrin, Science, McCallie School in Chattanooga.   

  • Candace Terry, Mathematics, Tullahoma High School, Tullahoma City Schools.   

“I am thrilled that Tennessee has four finalists in the nation’s highest award for STEM educators," said Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds. "I applaud these educators for their commitment to ensuring all of their students have a strong foundation in math and science and are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.” 

 Each of the state finalists will move on to national selection, where a committee of mathematicians, scientists, education researchers, district level personnel, and classroom teachers will identify up to two teachers—one in mathematics and one in science—from each state. Selected teachers receive a $10,000 award, a Presidential certificate, and receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.

The awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Sky Arnold

Sky serves as the Managing Editor of the Tennessee Fireflly. He’s a veteran television journalist with two decades of experience covering news in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Tennessee where he covered government for Fox 17 News in Nashville and WBBJ in Jackson. He’s a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and a big supporter of the Oklahoma Sooners.

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