Warde Educator Wins U.S. Government's Highest Honor For Teachers

FAIRFIELD, CT — A Fairfield instructor has received the most prestigious award given to teachers by the federal government.

Fairfield Warde High School math teacher Peter Shanazu won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

"I can't ever remember being more honored or humbled as I am right now," Shanazu said in a post on Facebook.

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.

Shanazu has been an educator for the past 16 years, with six years spent at Warde, according to a letter from Headmaster Paul Cavanna. Shanazu currently teaches probability and statistics, algebra and multivariable calculus.

"Mr. Shanazu’s use of scientific based instructional strategies along with his love of teaching has assisted him in providing high quality educational experiences to his students," Cavanna said in the letter.

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.

Shanazu was among four winners in Connecticut.