President Barack Obama has named Westport Staples High School math teacher Karen Thomas one of 97 teachers nationwide to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Thomas was one of two Connecticut teachers chosen on Monday, the other being science teacher Tyler Hoxley of East Hartford.
According to the PAEMST website, the awards are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science.
“Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education,” the site states.
Begun in 1983, the awards have recognized more than 4,100 kindergarten through 12th grade teachers. Winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level, according to the PAEMST.
Thomas, who has taught math in town for more than 13 years, had been one of four state finalists chosen in November. She was nominated by Frank Corbo, Staples’ math department chairman, who had received the award 25 years ago.
“America’s success in the 21st century depends on our ability to educate our children, give our workers the skills they need, and embrace technological change,” Obama said. “That starts with the men and women in front of our classrooms.
“These teachers are the best of the best, and they stand as excellent examples of the kind of leadership we need in order to train the next generation of innovators and help this country get ahead,” he added.
Each winner receives a $10,000 National Science Foundation award to be used at their discretion.
Each winner and his or her guest are also invited to Washington, DC, for a three-day awards ceremony beginning June 27. The trip includes visits with members of Congress and the administration, PAEMST officials said.
