Two Massachusetts teachers were among the 102 named by President Obama today as recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Sixth-grade teachers Erin Dukeshire of Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School in Roxbury received the award in science, and Jessica Findlay from Douglas Middle School received the award in math.
“It’s validation for all the hard work you put into your career and it’s great they are taking the time to recognize teachers for what we’re doing in the classroom,” said Findlay, 30, who has been a math teacher at the school for eight years, and uses her sense of humor to get through to her students. “Equations aren’t exciting, but if you present them in a unique way, the students are engaged and not realizing the amount they are learning,” she said.
Dukeshire, 30, has taught science at the Roxbury school for four years.
“Successful teachers should be awarded for doing a good job and helping kids learn,” said Dukeshire.
Dukeshire and Findlay will go to the White House next year to receive the award along with math and science teachers representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. They also receive $10,000 each from the National Science Foundation.
Both Dukeshire and Findlay found their passion for teaching when they were children.
“I grew up understanding that there was a way to help kids who may be struggling,” Dukeshire said.
And that passion has now turned into recognition, but that is not what keeps them in the classroom.
“When you see how all the students grow, it keeps you going,” Findlay said. “It is great to see the effect you have on these kids.”
