The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a K-12 math or science teacher can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Since 1983, more than 4,000 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.
State-Level finalists automatically become candidates for the national award. Two teachers from each state may be selected as national awardees.
Presidential awardees receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
South Dakota’s 2021 State-Level Finalists
Brittany Green, a math teacher from Brandon, has been teaching for 11 years. She currently teaches Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 at Brandon Valley High School. Green graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in math, with a specialization in education.
Quotes from Green’s letters of recommendation
“Brittany’s classroom can be described as a place where learning is enthusiastically pursued. I feel blessed that my son had the opportunity to be in her classroom.”
“Mrs. Green is always looking for a better way to help students learn and understand in a deeper, more meaningful way.”
“Brittany has a personality that students naturally gravitate toward.”
“Mrs. Green’s classroom is structured, rigorous, and has a perfect blend of compassion and accountability.”
“Students look at Mrs. Green as a mentor because they know that she cares about them and she wants them to be successful, no matter what they aspire to be. Students learn quickly that the content will be challenging but that they have no bigger advocate or accessible tutor.”
Mark Kreie, a math teacher at Brookings High School, has been teaching for 19 years. He currently teaches geometry and Advanced Algebra 2. Kreie graduated from the University of Minnesota – Morris with a bachelor’s degree in math. He has his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Black Hills State University. Outside of his classroom, Kreie has presented sessions at the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) - Regional and the SD STEM Ed, TIE, and Dakota State University STEAM conferences. He has hosted a Desmos camp for teachers and served as a virtual math coach, blueprint writer, and South Dakota Counts instructor for the South Dakota Department of Education. He serves on NCTM’s Classroom Resources Committee and has been active as a Desmos Fellow. Kreie serves on the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics executive board as the vice president.
Quotes from Kreie’s letters of recommendation
“Mark is like water on a rock. He has the trust and respect of all faculty and staff and continues to model and suggest engaging and academically viable alternatives to lecture-style instruction.”
“When students identify how much a teacher cares, students want to work hard for them. That is how Mr. Kreie has created a strong culture for learning. His focus is centered on being effective in providing learning opportunities for every student.”
“Mark has the vision to see what the future looks like in the mathematics classroom. He cares about quality instruction, deep understanding of mathematics, and fostering the belief that math is important and that everyone can be a mathematician!”
Amy Schander, a math teacher at Gayville-Volin High School, has been teaching for 20 years. She currently teaches trigonometry, physics, geometry, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Consumer Math. Schander graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology. She pursued an associate degree as a physical therapy assistant from Northeast Community College. She also has a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of South Dakota. Amy has presented sessions at the SD STEM Ed conference, served as a virtual math coach, a table lead for the geometry state standards writing workgroup, a contributor and editor for Goalbook, a lesson and assessment developer and reviewer for APass Education Group, and is now serving as a member on the South Dakota Department of Education’s math advisory team. Schander serves on the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics executive board as the secretary.
Quotes from Schander’s letters of recommendation
“Amy has high expectations and a natural ability to motivate and build relationships.”
“Mrs. Schander is an outstanding mathematics educator, a lifelong learner, and a mathematics education leader in South Dakota. She emulates leadership both in and outside of the classroom.”
“Mrs. Schander embraces new learning opportunities and sees these opportunities as a means to improve her own teaching practice, help her colleagues, and improve student learning.”
“Amy’s love of learning is a great model to students and staff.”
Michelle Bartels, a science teacher at Hamlin Middle School, has been teaching for 20 years. She teaches sixth grade earth science, eighth grade physical science, and current events. Bartels earned her bachelor’s degree in teacher education from Mount Marty College and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Black Hills State University. She has also completed the K-12 math and science specialist endorsements from BHSU. For several years, Bartels has been an active member of the South Dakota Science Teaching Association, currently serving as board president and co-editor of the newsletter. She is a National Geographic Certified Educator and an EdReports science content team member.
Quotes from Bartels’s letters of recommendation
“Mrs. Bartels has been a leader in education within our school and outside of the school setting.”
“Michelle presents our middle school students with relatable, real-life scenarios while promoting exploration of concepts.”
“I appreciate the relationships she builds with students, especially students who need an adult advocate.”
“Mrs. Bartels is extremely passionate about doing science fair the right way so that students are encouraged to learn in ways other than day-to-day lessons.”
Spencer Cody, a science teacher in the Edmunds Central School District, has been teaching for 15 years. He currently teaches seventh grade life science, eighth grade physical science, ninth grade conceptual chemistry/physics, 10th grade biology, 11th grade chemistry, and 11-12th grade zoology/anatomy and physiology. Spencer received his bachelor’s degree in middle and secondary biology education from Concordia College, and his master’s degree in chemistry education from South Dakota State University. Spencer has written and received many grants to support science education in his district and for teachers around South Dakota. He has a passion for participating in science research opportunities, including Teacher at Sea journeys, as well as enhancing science curriculum and testing at the state and national levels. Spencer has also presented at the South Dakota STEM Ed Conference for many years.
Quotes from Cody’s letters of recommendation
“I would genuinely consider Spencer to be one of the most intelligent teachers I have ever studied under and worked with, especially his mastery within the field of science.”
“You will not find a teacher more organized and thoughtful about his lessons and teachings.”
“He demonstrates a passion for science topics, develops real-life application connections, and challenges his students.”
“He has an open mind and creative imagination that allows him to work collaboratively with others to make decisions and implement ideas that are good for education.”
Kristen Gonsoir, a science teacher at Groton Area High School, has taught for 28 years. She currently teaches 10-12th grade general chemistry, 11-12th grade organic chemistry, and 12th grade physics. Gonsoir earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and education and her master’s degree in teaching and learning from Northern State University. In 2019, she was a Japan-U.S. Fulbright program teacher. The program focused on utilizing technology to promote global citizenship with students. At the state level, Kristen has been involved with the Department of Education’s Statewide Mentoring Program and the science standards translations team. She has received multiple awards while serving as her district’s debate coach.
Quotes from Gonsoir’s letters of recommendation
“While many science instructors will make use of lab activities, I’ve never witnessed any so seamlessly tie the purpose of the activity to the content instruction and learning objectives.”
“Holding students to a high standard of achievement is an area where Mrs. Gonsoir separates herself from other professional educators.”
“She sets high standards in the classroom, and while she expects dedication, hard work, and ‘grit,’ she goes above and beyond in working with students and truly giving each child what they need to succeed.”
“Without her, thousands of students would not have the love for learning that they do today. She and her passions are truly a catalyst for change.”