Four New Hampshire educators named as 2025 PAEMST finalists

Frank Edelblut Commissioner | New Hampshire Department of Education

Four educators from New Hampshire have been selected as finalists for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). These educators have been recognized for their contributions to STEM education.

The finalists are Jessica Girvan, a science teacher from Londonderry High School; Brian Gray, a computer science and technology teacher from Hampton Academy, who was also a finalist for the New Hampshire Teacher of the Year in 2025; Govan Baird, a science teacher from Exeter High School; and Michael Shore, a mathematics teacher also from Exeter High School.

Commissioner Frank Edelblut of the New Hampshire Department of Education praised the finalists, saying, "State finalists embody the very best of New Hampshire’s educators, serving as both role models and sources of inspiration for their students and colleagues. These four exceptional teachers understand the importance of engaging and innovative instruction, and we celebrate their well-earned recognition and dedication to STEM education."

These educators will now be considered at the national level, where they have a chance to receive the national PAEMST award. The awards program, administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, is regarded as the nation's highest honor for K-12 teachers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

Those awarded nationally will receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the award ceremony. The awardees will also join a national cohort of celebrated teachers.