Today, Commissioner of Education Michael Williams named Patty Hill, an algebra teacher at Kealing Middle School, as a finalist for the 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is the highest recognition a mathematics or science teacher may receive for exemplary teaching in the United States.

Hill is one of only 10 finalists throughout Texas. The National Science Foundation administers the presidential awards on the behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

“These 10 finalists represent the very best of Texas public education,” Commissioner Williams said. “The work of these educators helps to spotlight on a national level the outstanding work taking place in math and science classrooms across our state every school day.”

A state panel of master teachers, specialists and administrators reviews applications from nominees, choosing the most outstanding mathematics and science teachers for the NSF to consider.

After the initial selection process at the state or territorial level, a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators may select up to two teachers from each state and U.S. jurisdiction for the national award.

Presidential award winners receive $10,000, a citation signed by the president, and a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend recognition events and professional development opportunities. In addition, all of the 2015 finalists for Texas will be recognized by the State Board of Education.

For more information about the program, visit www.paemst.org.