Duval County Public
Schools Teacher Named Finalist for Presidential Award for Excellence in
Mathematics and Science Teaching
JACKSONVILLE - Timothy Kenney, a math teacher at
Mandarin Oaks Elementary, has been selected as a state finalist for the
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST),
the country’s highest honor for K-12 teachers of math and science.
The PAEMST, which is administered by the National Science
Foundation, was enacted by Congress in 1983. The program authorizes the
president to bestow up to 108 awards each year on behalf of The White House
Office of Science and Technology Policy.
"Excellent teachers in the fields of math and science are
extremely important for our students’ academic success, and greatly impact their
opportunities for the future,” said Superintendent of Duval County Public
Schools, Ed Pratt-Dannals. “We are honored that Mr. Kenney has been selected as
a finalist for this prestigious award, and we applaud his dedication to
preparing Duval County students to succeed in our global economy.”
In addition to teaching mathematics to fifth-grade students
at Mandarin Oaks, Kenney serves as a facilitator for the professional
development of other math teachers in the district. He also teaches math courses
at the University of North Florida, and serves as president of the Duval
Elementary Math Council.
Kenney is one of three finalists in the state in the field
of mathematics, and was chosen by a state selection committee, which included
prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics and science educators, and
past awardees.
The finalist selected as the state recipient will receive a
$10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, as well as a trip for two to
Washington, D.C., for a weeklong series of recognition events and professional
development opportunities. Award winners will be announced right before the
trip, which occurs this spring.
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