Richmond Teacher Among Finalists for Presidential Mathematics & Science Teaching Awards

Five Virginia secondary teachers have been selected as state finalists for the 2019 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award — regarded as the nation’s top honor for mathematics and science teachers — recognizes teachers who develop and implement high-quality instructional programs that improve student learning in mathematics and science.

The following are the 2019 Virginia finalists:

· Myron Blosser, a Biology and Biotechnology teacher at Harrisonburg High in Harrisonburg
· Timothy Colin Bouchillon, an Environmental Science and Capstone Research teacher at Manassas Park High in Manassas Park
· Kelly Draeger, a seventh-grade mathematics teacher at Mark Twain Middle in Alexandria
· Rebecca Hall, an Algebra I and Algebra II teacher at CodeRVA Regional High in Richmond
· Aziz Zahraoui, a Geometry and Calculus teacher at Churchland High in Portsmouth

The finalists were selected by review committees convened by the Virginia Department of Education. Nominees were required to provide evidence of deep content knowledge and exemplary teaching skills.

“These great teachers provide engaging instruction that combines the rigor of the commonwealth’s mathematics and science standards with the essential life skills known as Virginia’s 5 C’s: critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship,” Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said. “I look forward to personally congratulating these five outstanding teachers on this much-deserved honor.”

The five Virginia finalists will be recognized by the state Board of Education during its October business meeting in Richmond.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House. The award alternates annually between teachers in grades K-6 and teachers in grades 7-12.

A national review committee will review the applications of the 2019 finalists, and the 2019 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching awardees will be announced by the White House.

Awardees each receive a $10,000 unrestricted award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate and a trip to the nation’s capital for a series of recognition events and professional development activities.