Paulding Science Teacher Honored By President Obama

DALLAS, GA — A Paulding County high school teacher is among the math and science educators honored by President Barack Obama on Monday as among the best in their field.

Marc Pederson, of Paulding County High School, was one of 213 teachers nationwide who received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Winners, selected by a panel of top scientists, mathematicians and educators, will receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 8.

"The recipients of this award are integral to ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to our nation's success," Obama said in a news release.

"As the United States continues to lead the way in the innovation that is shaping our future, these excellent teachers are preparing students from all corners of the country with the science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills that help keep us on the cutting edge."

Winners of the honor also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion.

Pederson has been a science teacher at Paulding County High School for the past 12 years, having taught a range of courses including biology, chemistry, environmental science and physics.

He is currently teaching advanced placement chemistry, advanced placement Physics I, and Biotechnology Independent Research to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Pederson has received multiple honors, grants and awards for his work, most recently being recognized nationally by the Biotechnology Institute, which awarded him the 2016 BioGENEius Mentor Award.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Presidential Award," Pederson said in a written statement. "My passion and experiences throughout life eventually led me to the classroom, where I could combine my devotion to research with my love for teaching science.

"This award is a testament to the dedication I have for science education. I am so proud and thankful to have the opportunity to work with my students every day in the classroom. This award is truly an affirmation and celebration of my passion to teach science."

The Obama administration has made education in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields a priority.

Launched in 2009, Obama's Educate to Innovate campaign has resulted in more than $1 billion in private investment for improving K-12 STEM education, according to the administration.

In 2011, Obama set a goal of putting 100,000 additional STEM teachers in America's classrooms by 2021. The administration says 30,000 already have been trained.

For a list of all the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching winners, click here.

Photo via White House press office