Shaina Eagleson named state finalist for national teaching award

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has announced that Shaina Eagleson, a science teacher at West Fargo's Sheyenne High School, has been named a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Baesler commented on Eagleson's recognition, saying, "It is gratifying to see one of our outstanding North Dakota educators on track to receive a prestigious national award."

Baesler praised Eagleson's teaching skills, stating, "Every one of Ms. Eagleson’s colleagues can attest to her skill in conveying her subject matter in a way that engages her students, fires their enthusiasm for science, and whets their appetites for more knowledge." Typically, state finalists are subsequently named as PAEMST award recipients, with the White House expected to make an announcement soon.

Eagleson's teaching approach is noted for its sensitivity to the diverse academic needs of students. Sheyenne High's Assistant Principal, Jana Oistad, described Eagleson's methods as fostering "an environment where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and discover," further noting Eagleson's success in providing students with opportunities to relate scientific concepts to real-world scenarios.

Principal Ryan Salisbury of Sheyenne High praised Eagleson as "an exemplary educator who consistently demonstrates the highest standards of teaching practice," emphasizing Eagleson's ability to adapt her instruction to suit different grade levels and cognitive abilities. Salisbury remarked that Eagleson's lessons reflect her expertise and a keen awareness of making content relevant and accessible to students.

Eagleson began her teaching career in 2007 as a chemistry teacher at Shanley High School in Fargo. Since 2011, she has been teaching at Sheyenne High School. She holds bachelor’s degrees from Minnesota State University Moorhead, a master's degree in education from Valley City State University, and a graduate teaching certificate in physics education from the University of North Dakota.

Her selection as a state finalist comes during the 2024-25 award year, with her application now reviewed by the National Science Foundation. The 2023-24 North Dakota PAEMST finalist was Melvina Murray, a mathematics teacher at Dakota Elementary School on the Minot Air Force Base.

The White House has not yet announced PAEMST awardees for the 2023-24 academic year. The previous year’s recipients - Sarah Volk of Fargo North High School, Daniel Seykora of Rugby High School, and Amber Fyre from Wyndmere public schools - were revealed on Jan. 13.

Baesler urged teachers, administrators, students, and parents to consider nominating a K-12 STEM teacher for the PAEMST honor, which can be done via the PAEMST website, email, or phone. The awards are the highest honors bestowed by the U.S. government for K-12 teaching in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. The recipients each receive $10,000, a presidential certificate, and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for professional development and recognition events. Up to 110 teachers are honored annually from across the country and U.S. territories.