PAEMST

Wyoming Department of Education > For Teachers > Recognition > PAEMST

Contact Information

Science Consultant
Bobbi Eichhorst
(307) 777-8753
bobbi.eichorst@wyo.gov
Mathematics/Computer Science Consultant
Sara Schnell
(307) 777-5036
sara.schnell@wyo.gov

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

Congratulations to the 2023 Wyoming State Finalists

Wyoming honors two math teachers and two science teachers as the 2023 state finalists for the 7-12 cycle.

Congratulations to Math Finalists:

  • Emmy Hergert, Thermopolis Middle School in Thermopolis.
  • Rick Simineo, East High School in Cheyenne.

Congratulations to Science Finalists:

  • Charity Penn, Douglas Middle School in Douglas.
  • London Jenks, Thermopolis High School in Thermopolis.

Congratulations to the 2022 Wyoming State Finalists

Wyoming honors three math teachers and two science teachers as the 2022 state finalists for the K-6 cycle.

Congratulations to Math Finalists:

  • Noelle Clark, Evansville Elementary School in Evansville.
  • Deb Duncan, Tongue River Elementary School in Ranchester.
  • Wade Kinsey, Woodland Park Elementary School in Sheridan.

Congratulations to Science Finalists:

  • Elizabeth David, Pinedale Elementary School in Pinedale.
  • Andrea Hayden, Spring Creek Elementary in Laramie.

Congratulations to the 2021 Wyoming State Finalists

In 2021, Wyoming honors three math teachers and three science teachers as the 2021 state finalists for the 7-12 cycle. 

Congratulations to math finalists:

  • Becky Byer, Kelly Walsh High School in Casper.
  • Rachel Husbyn, Lander Valley High School in Lander.
  • Heather Tyrrell, East High School in Cheyenne. 

Congratulations to science finalists:

  • Pete Idema, Cody Middle School in Cody.
  • Charity Penn, Douglas Middle School in Douglas.
  • Claudia Troxel, Lander Valley High School in Lander.

Congratulations to the 2020 K-6 Cycle National Awardees

Katie McCue – Eastside Elementary School – Cody

Katie McCue has been an educator for over 12 years and has spent the last six years teaching all subjects to second graders at Eastside Elementary School. Previously, she taught fifth grade for three years, reading and mathematics interventions for two years, and was a district Teacher on Special Assignment for two years, where she managed grants and implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Before earning her teacher license, she was a para-educator at Harrisburg Elementary School.

Katie’s love for education goes beyond the classroom. She is currently the co-president of her school’s parent teacher organization as well as a district curriculum facilitator. Katie also participates at the state level. She is a member of the Level Up cohort and is an Educator Ambassador for the eLearning Collaborative. These opportunities provide leadership training, networking with educators throughout the state, and ongoing professional development.

In 2013, Katie was selected to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teacher Academy. This academy was foundational in shaping Katie’s pedagogy around STEM. In 2015, she became a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of early and middle childhood literacy. Finally, in 2018, Katie was selected as one of 10 Wyoming recipients to receive the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement award. These prestigious opportunities highlight her excellence in teaching and learning.

Katie earned a B.S. in psychology from the University of Oregon and an M.A.T. in elementary education from Oregon State University. She is certified in preschool, K-12 reading, kindergarten through sixth grade English as a Second Language, and K-12 administration. Currently, she is completing her Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wyoming.

Craig Williams – Buffalo Ridge Elementary School – Cheyenne

Craig Williams has been an educator for 29 years. During that time, he has taught third through sixth grades, Title One intervention, been an Instructional Coach and now serves as the Principal of Afflerbach Elementary in Cheyenne.

He has always been a champion of children and educators in the state, working towards high standards for learning. Craig was recognized as the NEA Foundation for Excellence in Education in 2011 and Laramie County School District #2 Teacher of the year in 2014. He is also a member of the America Achieves Fellowship for Teachers and Principals and the White-Riley-Peterson Fellowship, advocating for high quality afterschool programs for all children.

Craig is currently involved with the Wyoming State ELA standards committee and the Level-Up program through the Wyoming Department of Education. Craig is a founding member of the Wyoming Afterschool Alliance and still serves on its Advisory Board, working towards equitable access to after school programming for students.

As a mathematics instructor, Craig recognized the importance of conceptual learning for his students using a variety of techniques to make math come alive for his students.  He also saw the value of using literacy in mathematics to help students comprehend and logically solve word problems.

Craig earned his BA in education from the University of Wyoming, and MS in curriculum, instruction, and assessment from Walden University, and a MEd in K-6 administration from Chadron State College. He received National Board Certification in 2015.


About the Award

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science and engineering). Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Nominations for this award are currently closed.

Recipients of the award receive the following:

  • A certificate signed by the President of the United States
  • A paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities
  • A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
  • An opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation

Teachers must meet eligibility requirements.


PAEMST Awardees, 1983-Present