Gwinnett Science Teacher Honored By President Obama

GRAYSON, GA — A Gwinnett County middle school teacher is among the math and science educators honored by President Barack Obama this week as among the best in their field.

Cindy Apley Rose, an 8th grade math teacher at Couch Middle School in Grayson, 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.

Apley Rose is a veteran Gwinnett County educator who has earned numerous honors, including being the 2014-15 Gwinnett County Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Last school year, she was one of a select group of metro Atlanta educators named as a winner in the 2015 Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education. She used the money she won from AFAEE to create Community Mathematic Nights that focused on helping parents overcome a fear of math so that they were better equipped to help their children.

"The Presidential Award validates my belief that all students learn through real life tasks," Apley Rose said. "Helping them discover mathematics through science, engineering, and technology, they become college and career ready.

"Teaching them how to evaluate the mathematics of others and design out-of-the-box solutions, they are becoming the nation's future innovators and leaders. I am humbled by this award and grateful for the support of my family and colleagues that allows me to reach for the stars with my students."

Apley Rose earned a B.S. in middle grades education, a M.Ed. in special education from Brenau University in Gainesville, and an Ed.S. in mathematics education from the University of Georgia. She is certified in 4–12 mathematics, special education, gifted education, and as a Teacher Support Specialist.

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