Maryland Selects Finalists for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

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Maryland Selects Finalists for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

PAEMST awards are the nation’s highest honor for math and science educators.

BALTIMORE (March 31, 2025) – Today, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) announced six finalists for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation’s highest award for teaching in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  

Established by Congress in 1983, the award recognizes individual achievement, student progress in STEM and/or computer science, and the highest standards of STEM teaching. Each year, a national committee of mathematicians, scientists, education researchers, district-level personnel, and teachers recommends up to 108 seventh through 12th grade teachers to receive PAEMST awards. Up to two teachers—mathematics or science—from each state will receive the award. 

“It is an honor to recognize Maryland’s six finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “These educators exemplify the vital role that STEAM education plays in shaping the future of our students. By fostering innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, they inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

This year’s science finalists are: 

  • John Moyer III – Caroline County Public Schools, North Caroline High School 
  • Jacquelyn Southerland – Prince George’s County Public Schools, Accokeek Academy
  • Lauren Stevens – Carroll County Public Schools, Manchester Valley High School

 

The mathematics finalists are:  

  • Timothy Carter – Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
  • Joshua Massey – Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
  • Matthew Rinehart — Washington County Public Schools, Northern Middle School 

 

The award recognizes teachers who have both deep content knowledge and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. 

Honorees will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and all-expenses paid trip for an award ceremony. For more information, visit the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching website.

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