Dr. Mary Kay Murphy Board Member District III | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Dr. Mary Kay Murphy Board Member District III | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Carmen Smith, a math teacher at Sugar Hill Elementary School, and Stephanie Aseltine, a science teacher at Simonton Elementary School, have been named finalists for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The awards, established by Congress in 1983, represent the highest honors for K-12 STEM teachers in the United States.
The PAEMST awards recognize outstanding educators in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Each year, up to 108 teachers can be honored by the president. Principal Tamara Perkins of Simonton Elementary praises Aseltine: “Mrs. Aseltine is an exceptional teacher whose passion for science and student learning generates excitement and enthusiasm in students.”
Smith expressed her gratitude for being recognized as a finalist: “I am honored to represent Sugar Hill, the Lanier Cluster, Gwinnett, and the State of Georgia at this level.” Smith has spent ten years working towards this accolade.
The next phase involves evaluation by the National Science Foundation (NSF), which judges finalists recommended by the president. This process can take between two to five years before winners are announced.
Finalists were informed of their selection through a virtual recognition ceremony organized by NSF. Smith was celebrated at the Georgia Department of Education Math Con Gala in June 2024. Aseltine will receive recognition at the Georgia Science Teachers Association conference in February 2025.
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