CARSON CITY, Nev. – Jodi Cunningham from Valley High School and Richard Scroggie from Del Webb Middle School in the Clark County School District have been nominated by the Nevada Department of Education as 2019 finalists for the 2019 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

“I am so proud of Jodi and Richard, and on behalf of everyone in education in Nevada, I offer congratulations,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “This is the highest honor the U.S. Government gives for K-12 math and science teachers.”

Cunningham and Scroggie are eligible to be chosen as the 2019 national PAEMST awardee. Awardees will receive a certificate signed by the President, a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

Established by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. The award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science (including computer science) education. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

A national selection committee will review PAEMST finalists’ applications. The White House will announce the results of the national selection process. The timing of the announcement depends largely on the White House schedule but could happen as soon as the fall of 2019.