Congratulations to Darcy Vincent and Merideth Wald on receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)! The PAEMST is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer teaching. The awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.

Awards are given to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).

The award recognizes those teachers have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Since the program's inception, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the nation's teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Learn more about this prestigious award on the PAEMST website.

Darcy Vincent, Camelot Intermediate School, Brookings School District
Darcy Vincent has been an educator for 13 years. She has spent the last six years teaching fifth grade mathematics at Camelot Intermediate School. She previously taught at Arlington Elementary School for seven years.

As a customized learning facilitator, Vincent works to meet the individual needs of her learners in mathematics. She facilitates approximately 120 learners in standards across multiple grade levels. Her knowledge of content and standards helps her meet them at their level. She develops skill-based playlists which provide for hands-on activities, group and independent work, and offers voice and choice opportunities across various learning styles. Vincent facilitates learners working at their own pace and taking ownership to meet their learning outcomes.

Her passion for mathematics is evident in her leadership among colleagues. She previously worked as a South Dakota Counts teacher leader during her time at Arlington Elementary. She spent this time in a cohort earning her master’s degree while leading her colleagues in implementing the Investigations mathematics curriculum. Vincent assisted in coordinating mathematics nights and informational meetings on implementing the Common Core State Standards. She currently serves as a Professional Learning Community mathematics leader as well as a Curriculum Committee representative. The past year, she worked with colleagues in the district to choose a new mathematics curriculum. Vincent currently serves as a member of the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Vincent earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dakota State University and received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Black Hills State University. She is certified in elementary education, career and technical education, and middle level education.

Merideth Wald, Black Hawk Elementary, Rapid City Area Schools
Merideth Wald has been a mathematics teacher in an elementary classroom for nine years. She has spent those nine years teaching kindergarten, first grade, and currently a kindergarten and first grade combination classroom. All nine years have been at Black Hawk Elementary School, which is part of Rapid City Area Schools.

She strives to create an environment that is developmentally appropriate for young mathematicians. She promotes problem solving and discourse to support student success. She believes that every student has the ability to achieve at high levels, and she also understands that each student does so at their own pace. Her classroom is an environment that meets each student exactly where they are in their own learning progression.

Wald continues to find ways to support student success both in and out of the classroom. She has served in several ways at the building, district, and state levels. She is currently part of the district Math Leadership Team and the building Leadership Team. She has also been part of the South Dakota Math Standards Revision Team, the SDMath/SDSci Leadership program, and also served on teams to adopt curriculum and create staff professional development.

Merideth holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Black Hills State University; a master’s degree in early childhood education from Capella University; and an education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Capella University. She is currently a South Dakota certified elementary teacher.

These official biographies from the PAEMST website were current at the time of the award.