2021 Wisconsin Finalists for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching: Celebrating Dedicated Educators and Their Impact on the Future

In 2021, two exceptional teachers from Northeast Wisconsin were named finalists for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced that six mathematics and science teachers from across the state were recognized for their outstanding work in the classroom.

Among the finalists are Debra Heitman, a fifth-grade math teacher at Coleman Elementary School in the Coleman School District, and Sheila Kohl, a fifth-sixth grade STEM teacher at West De Pere Intermediate School in the School District of West De Pere. These dedicated educators have been recognized for their commitment to fostering a love of learning in their students.

The award has been presented annually since 1983 and recognizes K-12 teachers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science from across the nation. Each state establishes committees to select finalists based on criteria required by the national PAEMST program. The finalists from Wisconsin will now have their applications judged at the national level by a committee organized by the National Science Foundation, which administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

One awardee in mathematics and one awardee in science will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, along with professional development opportunities, and will be honored at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. This recognition highlights the dedication and excellence of these teachers in the field of mathematics and science education. Their hard work has not gone unnoticed, and they deserve our utmost admiration for their contributions to education in Wisconsin and beyond.