Hoover Educators Receive Presidential Award For Math And Science

HOOVER, AL — Two educators from Hoover are among those who recently received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The award was established in 1983 and represents the highest honor given by the U.S. Government to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers of mathematics and science.

The selection process for the distinction is facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the National Science Foundation.

Teachers across the nation were chosen based on their performance in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Here are the winners of the Presidential Award from Alabama:

• Kristin Bundren, Spain Park High School
• Sue Noah, Athens Elementary School
• Kevin Pughsley, Berry Middle School
• Lorie White, Rogers High School

Kristin Bundren has been an educator for 12 years and has spent all of those at Spain Park High School in the Hoover City Schools district. She currently teaches ninth-grade pre-Advanced Placement Biology. She earned a B.A. in secondary science education from Auburn University. She is certified in general science. She is a National Board Certified teacher in adolescent and young adulthood science.

"I am honored to be considered for such an award and recognize that achieving this award is only through the support of colleagues who have contributed to my growth as an educator and my students who inspire me daily," Bundren said.

Kevin Pughsley has been an educator for 12 years, teaching sixth grade Earth Science. He currently teaches at Berry Middle School in the Hoover City School System and previously spent 10 years teaching at Calera Middle School in the Shelby County School System. He earned a B.A. in elementary education and a M.Ed. from Samford University.

"Over the past 12 years, I have been blessed to teach science to sixth graders, with a focus on building relationships and setting high expectations in a high-energy and positive environment," Pughsley said. "Winning this award further encourages me that I’m living my life’s purpose. I am grateful for the love and support of my family, colleagues, and students who have helped me become the educator I am today."

Teachers were selected for the award in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and schools in the United States territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.