Debbie Grothaus, a science teacher at Los Alamos High School (LAHS), has been named a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), along with three other teachers from New Mexico. The PAEMST recognizes up to 108 teachers each year with one or two mathematics or science teachers from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories, and schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity. PAEMST national awardees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and the opportunity to attend recognition events and professional-learning opportunities in Washington, D.C. They also join an elite group of award-winning teachers who can influence STEM teaching at the local, state, and national level. Grothaus and the other finalists serve as models and inspirations for educators and students across the state, highlighting the critical role that exceptional teachers play in shaping the future of STEM education.
LAHS Science Teacher Debbie Grothaus a Finalist for Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Debbie Grothaus, a science teacher at Los Alamos High School (LAHS), has been named a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), along with three other teachers from New Mexico.
Grothaus has been with Los Alamos Public Schools for over 11 years, starting as a substitute teacher and eventually joining the LAHS Science Department in 2012. Her teaching responsibilities have included Conceptual Physics, Honors Physics, and AP Physics 1, and she has served as department chair for the Topper Freshman Academy. Additionally, Grothaus is the lead teacher for Saturday School and serves as the advisor of the Astronomy Club.
In 2018, Grothaus received the New Mexico Excellence in Teaching Award and was also a Voya National STEM Education Fellow. She believes that being a finalist for the PAEMST allows her to expand her influence and serve as a role model for other educators.
According to Grothaus, “It was made very clear to me through the application process that good educators are not created in a vacuum, but by the influence and help of the people around them. Having the opportunity to truly reflect on my teaching made me very thankful for all the people that have influenced me over the years: my colleagues, my mentors and especially my students. I would not be the educator I am without them.”
The PAEMST recognizes up to 108 teachers each year with one or two mathematics or science teachers from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories, and schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity. A national committee comprised of mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district-level personnel, and classroom teachers recommends the teachers for the awards.
PAEMST national awardees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and the opportunity to attend recognition events and professional-learning opportunities in Washington, D.C. They also join an elite group of award-winning teachers who can influence STEM teaching at the local, state, and national level.
Kimberly Conell (Albuquerque Public Schools – math), Amanda Kraft (New Mexico International School – science), and Christopher Speck (Albuquerque Public Schools – science) are the other three finalists from New Mexico.
Grothaus and the other finalists serve as models and inspirations for educators and students across the state, highlighting the critical role that exceptional teachers play in shaping the future of STEM education.
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