Three mathematics educators and three science educators have been named 2021 state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The 2021 state finalists for mathematics are Melissa Schoepf, Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School, Salina Diocese; Elizabeth Self, Kepley Middle School, Ulysses Unified School District 214; and Kimberly Tate, Chisholm Middle School, Newton USD 373.

The 2021 state finalists for science are Stephanie Alderman-Oler, Eisenhower Middle School, Kansas City USD 500; Arthur Ballos, Wichita East High School, Wichita USD 259; and Erica Huggard, Emporia High School, Emporia USD 253.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the nation’s highest honor for mathematics and science teaching. They are presented to educators who show a high degree of knowledge, innovation, skill and leadership.

Elementary and secondary educators are recognized in alternating years. This year, secondary teachers are being recognized. Kansas had seven mathematics applicants and 11 science applicants (a list of applicants is attached). Each of the state finalists will be recognized at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) conference Feb. 10-11, 2022. They also will compete for a national finalist title.

Two educators from each state, one in the area of mathematics and one in science, may be named national finalists. Each of the national finalists will receive a $10,000 award.

2021 KANSAS NOMINEES FOR PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS
FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING

MATHEMATICS

Danielle Balsman

Baldwin High School, Baldwin City USD 348

Brant Brittingham, principal

Paul Dorathy, superintendent

Kira McDonald

Roosevelt Middle School, Coffeyville USD 445

Jeff Pegues, principal

Dr. Craig Correll, superintendent

Melissa Schoepf

Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School, Salina Diocese

Chad Meitner, principal

Gavin Wuthrich
Frederic Remington High School, Remington-Whitewater USD 206

Tim Bumgarner, principal

James Regier, superintendent

Kimberly Tate

Chisholm Middle School, Newton USD 373

Joey Menninga, principal

Fred Van Ranken, superintendent

Elizabeth Self

Kepley Middle School, Ulysses USD 214

Stacey Gee, principal

Dave Younger, superintendent

Steven Siemens

Haysville West Middle School, Haysville USD 261

Nicki McMullin, principal

Dr. John Burke, superintendent

SCIENCE

Tia Jones

Garden Plain Elementary School, Renwick USD 267

Sheila Meggers, principal

Mindy Bruce, superintendent

Arthur Ballos

Wichita East High School, Wichita USD 259

Sara Richardson, principal

Dr. Alicia Thompson, superintendent

Erica Huggard

Emporia High School, Emporia USD 253

Dathan Fischer, principal

Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder, superintendent

Chitra Harris

Wichita South High School, Wichita USD 259

Cara Ledy, principal

Dr. Alicia Thompson, superintendent

Robert Jackson

Seaman Middle School, Seaman USD 345

Joshua Snyder, principal

Dr. Steve Noble, superintendent

Sarah Samuelson

Comanche Middle School, Dodge City USD 443

Rachael Pitchford, principal

Dr. Fred Dierksen, superintendent

Kelly Morgan

Shawnee Heights High School, Shawnee Heights USD 450

Edward West, principal

Matt Hirsch, superintendent

JD Hand

Augusta High School, Augusta USD 402

Rick Rivera, principal

Matt Ward, superintendent

Gary Pinkall

Great Bend Middle School, Great Bend USD 428

David Reiser, principal

Khris Thexton, superintendent

Betsy Lawrence

Summit Trail Middle School, Olathe USD 233

Heath Sigg, principal

John Allison, superintendent

Stephanie Alderman-Oler

Eisenhower Middle School, Kansas City USD 500

Joseph Jewett, principal

Dr. Alicia Miguel, interim superintendent