Debbie Grothaus, a science teacher at Los Alamos High School (LAHS), has been named as a finalist for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award recognizes outstanding educators who inspire their peers and students. The other three finalists from New Mexico are Kimberly Conell, Amanda Kraft, and Christopher Speck. The PAEMST is awarded to up to 108 teachers each year, with one or two teachers selected from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories, and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity. PAEMST national awardees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional-learning opportunities. They also become part of an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence STEM teaching at the local, state, and national levels.
LAHS Science Teacher Debbie Grothaus Named Finalist for Prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Debbie Grothaus, a science teacher at Los Alamos High School (LAHS), has been named as a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST is a highly regarded award in the education sector that recognizes outstanding educators who serve as role models and inspire their peers and students.
Grothaus has been a part of Los Alamos Public Schools for over 11 years and joined the Science department at LAHS in 2012, where she has taught Conceptual Physics, Honors Physics, and AP Physics 1. She has also served as the Topper Freshman Academy department chair and is the lead teacher for Saturday School. In addition, she advises the Astronomy Club.
Grothaus is a Voya National STEM Education Fellow and was awarded the New Mexico Excellence in Teaching Award in 2018. As a finalist for the PAEMST, Grothaus hopes to expand her influence as an educator and inspire others in the field.
During the application process, Grothaus reflected on the significant impact of her colleagues, mentors, and students in shaping her teaching career. “Good educators are not created in a vacuum, but by the influence and help of the people around them,” said Grothaus.
The three other finalists from New Mexico are Kimberly Conell, a math teacher from Albuquerque Public Schools, Amanda Kraft, a science teacher from New Mexico International School, and Christopher Speck, a science teacher from Albuquerque Public Schools.
The PAEMST is awarded to up to 108 teachers each year, with one or two teachers selected from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories, and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity. PAEMST national awardees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional-learning opportunities. They also become part of an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence STEM teaching at the local, state, and national levels.
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