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School Zone
A Presidential Toast to
Zachary Champagne
Each year, the President of
the United States recognizes outstanding kindergarten
through 6th grade or 7th–12th grade
mathematics and science teachers by honoring them with
the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics
and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The Presidential Awards
are the nation’s highest honor for teachers of
mathematics or science. Every year, approximately 100
recipients of the Presidential Awards receive the
following:
- A citation signed by the
President of the United States;
- An opportunity to join a
dynamic network of awardees;
- A $10,000 award from the
National Science Foundation;
- A paid trip for two to
Washington, D.C., to attend a week-long series of
recognition events and professional development
opportunities; and
- Gifts from donors to the
program from around the country.
One of Duval County Public
Schools’ teachers, Zachary Champagne, was one of
the recipients of this prestigious honor. Champagne is a
math teacher at West Jacksonville Elementary. In his
class, students are taught to explore and build their
own understanding of mathematics. “It has been my
experience that when students construct their own
understanding in mathematics, they are much more likely
to remember and understand what they are learning,”
explained Champagne. He went on to say, “I try to help
my students understand a tough concept by placing them
in real-world situations. If mathematics is applicable
to their lives, then they see a reason for studying and
learning it.”
Recently, Champagne traveled
to Washington, D.C. to receive his Presidential Award
and participate in numerous special events in
recognition of the PAEMST. He wrote an e-mail to the
Superintendent and other top Duval County Public
Schools’ administrators describing his experiences.
Here’s an excerpt from Champagne’s e-mail:
“It was simply the most
amazing week of my professional life. I, along with the
92 other awardees from around the nation, were treated
like royalty for the entire week. I was able to
participate in numerous professional development
activities including a day at the National Science
Foundation (NSF), a presentation from the National
Mathematics Panel that was appointed by the President, a
breakfast with 11 different Federal Agencies, meetings
with members of Congress, and a private tour of the
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. I was also privileged
to meet, not only President George Bush, but also the
First Lady, Laura Bush. They both spoke with us for
about 15 minutes about the importance of science and
mathematics education and how proud they were of our
efforts. They took the time to shake our hands and thank
us for our work. We then were able to go on the balcony
of the White House and wave goodbye to the President and
the First Lady as they departed for Texas on Marine One.
It was spectacular, to say the very least. I was
immensely honored to represent all of the magnificent
teachers in Duval County in our nation's capital.”
Congratulations, Zachary
Champagne, on this prestigious award, and thank you for
representing Duval County Public Schools with such
professionalism and humility. We are all so very proud
of you!
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