CARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) announced its selections of state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for both the 2022 and 2023 award cycles. Ms. Anna Gardikiotis, Mr. Steven Gaskill and Ms. Jennifer Panczyszyn were all chosen as state finalists for the 2022 award cycle. Mr. Corwin Evens-Klock, Ms. Jasper I. Isenberg, and Ms. Denise Trakas were all chosen as state finalists for the 2023 award cycle.

"I am thrilled to congratulate our state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. As a former awardee myself, I know how hard all of our educators work and how important recognition is," saidJhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. "These teachers are true leaders in their fields, inspiring students to pursue their passions in STEM and preparing them for success in the 21st century."

"I'm so proud of our state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching," said Governor Joe Lombardo. "These outstanding educators represent the very best of our state's commitment to excellence in STEM education, and their dedication to inspiring and challenging our students is second to none. These teachers are champions for their students, and their work will have a lasting impact on our communities and our state."

2022 State Finalists for K-6 Math and Science

• Ms. Anna Gardikiotis is a second-grade teacher at Mamie Towles Elementary School in the Washoe County School District. She's known for her inquiry-based and integrated STEM approaches to teaching mathematics.
• Mr. Steven Gaskill is a science teacher at K.O. Knudson Middle School in the Clark County School District. He's known for leading engaging student-driven discussions on science that he uses to help check for student understanding.
• Ms. Jennifer Panczyszyn is a science teacher at Nevada Learning Academy in the Clark County School District. She's known for addressing misconceptions surrounding science in a variety of ways to foster both understanding and accessibility for her students.

2023 State Finalists for Grades 7-12 Math and Science

• Mr. Corwyn Evens-Klock is a science teacher at Mojave High School in the Clark County School District. He's known for addressing misconceptions associated with science in ways that both value and challenge his students.
• Ms. Jasper I. Isenberg is a science teacher at Doral Academy of Northern Nevada in Reno. She's known for implementing a variety of instructional strategies to make her science lessons more accessible to her students. She's also mindful of the need for equity among student groups that are historically underserved.
• Ms. Denise Trakas is a math teacher at E. Otis Vaughn Middle School. She's known for her deep knowledge of mathematics and her strong ability to translate the concepts to her students in a way they can understand and enjoy learning.

The PAEMST Awards are still getting back to their regular award cycle post-pandemic. Traditionally K-6^th grade math and science teachers are awarded every even year while 7^th-12^th grade math and science teachers are honored every odd year.

The PAEMST Award is the nation's highest honor for U.S. K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers. The awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

State finalists from the 2022 award cycle are eligible to be chosen as the 2022 national PAEMST awardee, while state finalists from the 2023 award cycle are eligible to be chosen as the 2023 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.

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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 about NDE and join us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.