Nevada Department of EducationNevada Department of Education

6 Nevada Teachers Recognized as Winners of PAEMST Award

January 28, 2025

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Earlier this month, the White House announced that six Nevada teachers have won the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for teaching in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

Two Nevada teachers were selected for the award each year from 2021 to 2023.

The recipients are:

Year Teacher, School, and District Teacher, School, and District
2021 Cassandra Arquette Ed W. Clark High School (Clark County School District) Harvest Tossava Sky Ranch Middle School (Washoe County School District)
2022 Anna Gardikiotis Mamie Towles Elementary School (Washoe County School District) Jennifer Panczyszyn Nevada Learning Academy (Clark County School District)
2023 Jasper Isenberg Doral Academy of Northern Nevada (State Public Charter School Authority) Denise Trakas E. Otis Vaughn Middle School (Washoe County School District)

“I am thrilled that Nevada’s exemplary STEM educators are being recognized with the prestigious national PAEMST award,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Each educator - Cassandra Arquette, Harvest Tossava, Anna Gardikiotis, Jennifer Panczyszyn, Jasper Isenberg, and Denise Trakas - is providing high-quality instruction and opportunities for their students, helping them to reach their full potential. Please join me in celebrating their recognition.”

Nevada’s recipients announced on Jan. 13 are among 336 teachers and mentors nationwide to receive the PAEMST or the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).

The awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Honorees each receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and trip to Washington, D.C.

Award recipients attend a series of recognition events, participate in professional development opportunities, and discuss with policymakers how to improve science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

The PAEMST awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.

The application window for the 2025 award is currently open and more information can be found at paemst.nsf.gov.

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.

Julie Wootton-Greener

Public Information Officer