Mandarin Oaks Teacher is Two-time 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 nation’s highest recognition that
a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher
may receive for outstanding teaching.
Kenney was also a finalist
for the award in 2008.
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.
"To be a finalist once for this
prestigious award is an honor, but to be recognized as a
finalist twice within such a short period of time is phenomenal.
Mr. Kenney is a model for his colleagues, an inspiration to his
students and our community, and a leader in the improvement of
mathematics education,” said Superintendent of Duval County
Public Schools Ed Pratt-Dannals. “Excellent teachers in the
fields of math and science are a vital resource for our
students’ academic success, and we applaud Mr. Kenney’s
dedication to preparing Duval County students to be globally
competitive.”
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 a member of the
Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
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.
Zachary Champagne, also a teacher at
Mandarin Oaks and Duval County’s 2010 Teacher of the Year, won
the PAEMST in 2006.
Duval County Public Schools operates 172 schools and
serves approximately 123,000 students. The school district is
committed to providing high quality educational opportunities
that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge
and skills needed to succeed in a global economy, and culturally
diverse world.
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