CHEYENNE - The Wyoming State Board of Education (SBE) met virtually on August 6 to recognize Wyoming teachers who received the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). 

The Wyoming educators who were recognized for their work in mathematics include Wade Kinsey of Woodland Park Elementary School in Sheridan for teaching excellence at the K-6 level. Emmy Hergert of Thermopolis Middle School and Rachel Peters of Lander Valley High School were recognized for excellence in teaching grades 7-12. 

Recognition for excellence in teaching science was awarded to Andrea Hayden at Spring Creek Elementary School in Laramie for K-6 and Charity Penn at Douglas Middle School and Claudia Troxel at Central Wyoming College for her time teaching at Lander Valley High School for grades 7-12. 

Enacted by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST is the highest national recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can receive for their contribution to excellence in teaching and learning. The program authorizes the President to present 110 individual awards each year. 

The board congratulated the PAEMST recipients and thanked them for their leadership and service to Wyoming students. “The state board of education was honored to spend some time with these quality educators. Their focus on student-driven learning, cultivating curiosity, and collegial conversation are indicators of their excellence in the teaching profession,” said Dr. Mark Mathern, SBE Chairman.