Dawn Flythe Moore First Lady of the State of Maryland | Maryland Department Of Education
On March 31, 2025, the Maryland State Department of Education announced six finalists for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This award, established by Congress in 1983, is the highest national recognition for educators in STEM fields.
The PAEMST acknowledges individual achievement and student progress in STEM and computer science, highlighting the highest standards of STEM teaching. A national committee recommends up to 108 teachers from grades seven through twelve for these awards, with each state potentially having up to two awardees in mathematics or science.
State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey M. Wright, stated, "It is an honor to recognize Maryland’s six finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. These educators exemplify the vital role that STEAM education plays in shaping the future of our students. By fostering innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, they inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators."
The science finalists from Maryland include John Moyer III from Caroline County Public Schools, Jacquelyn Southerland from Prince George’s County Public Schools, and Lauren Stevens from Carroll County Public Schools. The mathematics finalists are Timothy Carter and Joshua Massey, both from Baltimore City Public Schools, and Matthew Rinehart from Washington County Public Schools.
The award celebrates teachers with deep content understanding and the ability to motivate students' success. Honorees will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, along with an all-expenses-paid trip for the award ceremony. Further details can be found on the official PAEMST website.
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