Columbia, SC – Today State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman announced that Brooke Lance and Joseph Parker have been chosen as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 2013-14 school year. Eight educators were selected as finalists for the 2014-15 awards.

“I am so proud of these amazing STEM educators,” said Superintendent Spearman. “These dedicated teachers channel their passion for Mathematics and Science to their students every day and represent the very best of their profession across America. Their schools, districts, and communities should be very proud,” concluded Spearman.

Brooke Lance currently teaches fourth grade math and science at Belton Elementary School in Anderson County School District Two, and Joseph Parker teaches eighth grade Earth Science and Gifted and Talented Earth Science at Southwood Academy of the Arts in Anderson School District Five.

The following educators have been nominated for the 2014-15 awards, which will be announced next year:

State Finalists for Mathematics
Sherri Abel
Legacy Charter School
Greenville County Schools

Alison Espinosa
A.C. Flora High School
Richland County School District One

Kenyetta Mitchell
Sullivan Middle School
Rock Hill School District Three of York County

Jennifer Wise
Hand Middle School
Richland County School District One

State Finalists for Science
Melanie Longtin
Wren Middle School
Anderson School District One

Kourtney Shumate
Hartsville Middle School
Darlington County School District

Benjamin Sinnett
Cowpens Middle School
Spartanburg County School District Three

Gail Vawter
Springfield Middle School
Fort Mill School District (York 4)

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive. Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C., and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. For more information about these awards click here.

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