REGION 12 TEACHER NAMED FINALIST FOR PRESTIGIOUS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING AWARD

WACO, TEXAS — Georgia Jeanine Wolf, an 8th grade science teacher from Midway Middle School, is one of three finalists for the National Science Foundation’s prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in secondary science. This year, the presidential awards will recognize 7-12 grade science and mathematics teachers whose innovative methods bring science to life in the classroom.

Wolf has been a science teacher at Midway for 13 years teaching both 7th and 8th grade science. She graduated from Tarleton State University and has 15 years experience in the education field. Each nominee was required to write a complete lesson plan for a particular subject and also videotape classroom participation of the topic. The focus of her lesson plan was the study of genetics. She used large, plastic eggs to portray dragon eggs with giant DNA inside. Students discovered the way cross breeding interacts with the genetic make up of an offspring.

Teachers honored for the PAEMST are identified from schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity. Each year, after an initial selection process at the state or territorial level, a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators identified by the National Science Foundation under the direction of the White House, recommends about 100 teachers to receive the award from a pool of these talented finalists. Teachers will be honored in two categories: secondary mathematics, and secondary science.

In Texas, PAEMST program science director, Chris Castillo-Comer, sent over 800 letters and brochures to all parts of the state. There were 58 state nominees identified. Of these nominees, there were 11 completed packets sent in for consideration. Each packet consisted of a videotaped selection of teaching expertise and a completed written selection.
A state panel of master teachers, specialists, and administrators reviewed these packets and chose three outstanding secondary science teachers for the National Science Foundation to consider for state finalist status.

The National Science Foundation approved all three candidates as finalists for the national PAEMST award. If chosen, the state national Awardee will receive $10,000 and an all expense paid trip for two to Washington D.C. for national ceremonies that include recognition at the White House.

About ESC Region 12

One of 20 centers throughout Texas, the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students. Based in Waco, with offices in Copperas Cove, Corsicana, Goldthwaite, Hillsboro, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan and Navarro counties.