Submitted by San Juan Island School District.
Friday Harbor High School STEM Teacher Kevin Cullen has been nominated for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This is the K-12 STEM teaching’s highest honor.
Cullen teaches pre-calculus, AP calculus, and computer science at Friday Harbor High School. He has also achieved National Board Certification in his field.
“Kevin Cullen is very deserving of this recognition. The impact Kevin has had on students at Friday Harbor High School is remarkable. He is well respected by colleagues and students,” San Juan Island School District Superintendent Fred Woods said. “Kevin challenges students to excel while providing the support and guidance they need to reach every objective. We are fortunate to have Kevin teach in the San Juan Island School District, and we are proud of him for all of his accomplishments.”
The finalists were chosen by a statewide selection committee comprised of content area experts and award-winning teachers.
The National PAEMST Selection Committee will determine national awardees based on content mastery, use of effective instructional methods, effective use of assessments, reflective practice and lifelong learning, and leadership in education inside and outside of the classroom.
If any of the finalists are selected as national awardees, they will be invited to travel to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional learning experiences and will receive a certificate signed by President Joe Biden as well as a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
National awardees are typically announced in the fall. State-level finalists are recognized by regional and state math and science associations and invited to several annual state events for award-winning educators.
The PAEMST program was first established by Congress in 1983. The program recognizes exemplary teaching in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in K-12 classrooms. The President may recognize up to 108 educators each year. Since 1983, 81 Washington educators have received the national award. Learn more about PAEMST at paemst.org.
