State Finalists Selected for 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Three New York State mathematics teachers and three science teachers are state-level finalists for the prestigious 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) at the secondary level, Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today. The PAEMST is one of the most esteemed honors in the nation for teachers and recognizes exemplary teaching and leadership in mathematics and science education.

“These outstanding teachers have deep knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to reach their full potential,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. “We are intent on building a 21st-century education system that supports all students, and STEM is a critical part of providing these opportunities for our young people.”

“Each of New York’s finalists has demonstrated that by providing engaging and innovative instruction, we can prepare all students for achievement in the technology-driven world in which we live,” Commissioner Rosa said. “They are innovators who encourage students to use initiative and creativity to solve complex, real-world problems through science and math. I wish them all luck in the national competition.”

2023 PAEMST New York State Mathematics Finalists (7-12)
Finalist	School	District	Location
Mrs. Sharon Collins	New Heights Academy Charter School		New York, NY
Dr. Elizabeth Brennan DeGraaf	The Hewitt School		New York, NY
Dr. Scott Kennedy	Sachem High School East	Sachem Central School District	Farmingville, NY

2023 PAEMST New York State Science Finalists (7-12)
Finalist	School	District	Location
Ms. Danielle Dubno-Hammer	Institute for Health Professions at Cambria Heights	New York City Department of Education	Cambria Heights, NY
Ms. Maria Giambanco	High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology	New York City Department of Education	Brooklyn, NY
Ms. Xue Qing Liang	New Utrecht High School	New York City Department of Education	Brooklyn, NY

New York State Finalists complete a rigorous application process that requires them to demonstrate excellence in content knowledge and effective use of instructional methods and assessments to evaluate, monitor, and improve student learning. Finalists are chosen by a state selection committee consisting of teachers, district personnel, representatives from educator organizations, and past awardees.

These applications are then submitted to the PAEMST National Selection Committee in Washington D.C., which will determine the final award winners from each state. The PAEMST National Selection Committee is comprised of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers and leaders, district-level personnel, and classroom teachers.

Teachers selected as PAEMST National Awardees receive a Presidential certificate, a $10,000 award from National Science Foundation (NSF) and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state and national STEM teaching.