(Garland ISD) July 17, 2013 – Last week, Coyle Middle School’s Jim Manley was named one of eight finalists for the 2013 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Commissioner of Education Michael Williams announced the honorees, who were selected for innovative teaching methods that bring learning to life in the classroom.
PAEMST is the highest recognition a mathematics or science teacher can receive in the U.S. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Manley came to Garland ISD in 2002 and has spent his entire career in education at Coyle. He holds two master’s degrees, one in science education and the other in religion.
“I join with everyone at the Texas Education Agency in congratulating the Texas finalists for the 2013 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching,” said Commissioner Williams. “These men and women stand as shining examples of the outstanding work educators do in Texas classrooms.”
The 2013 Texas finalists are listed below:
Secondary Mathematics
- Jessica Caviness – Geometry teacher at Coppell High School in the Coppell Independent School District
- Amy Ferguson – Algebra II teacher and Instructional Dean of Mathematics at Winston Churchill High School in the North East Independent School District
- Penny Smeltzer – Advanced Placement (AP) statistics teacher at Westwood High School in the Round Rock Independent School District
- Ruth Westbrook – English as a Second Language mathematics teacher in grades 6–8 at McMath Middle School in the Denton Independent School District
Secondary Science
- Jim Manley – Seventh-grade science teacher at Coyle Middle School in the Garland Independent School District
- Michalle McCallister – Eighth-grade science teacher at the Robert G. Cole Middle and High School in the Fort Sam Houston Independent School District
- Mark Misage – AP physics teacher at Westlake High School in the Eanes Independent School District
- Kim Wootton – Anatomy and physiology, AP biology and forensic science teacher at New Tech High@Coppell in the Coppell Independent School District
To achieve PAEMST recognition, a teacher must first be nominated for the award. This year, Texas’ program received the highest number of applicants in the nation with 52 combined for both subjects. A state panel of master teachers, specialists and administrators reviewed those applications and chose the most outstanding mathematics and science teachers for the National Science Foundation to consider for state finalist status.
A national panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators will now select at least one mathematics and one science teacher from each state and U.S. jurisdiction for national awards. Winners will be announced in 2014 and 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.
All of Texas’ 2013 finalists will be recognized by the State Board of Education.
Submitted by Tiffany Graber, Garland ISD, Communications Specialist.
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