District 69 Teacher to Receive Presidential Teaching Honor

CHICAGO, IL - A teacher at Edison Elementary School in Morton Grove will receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. next month.

James O’Malley, who has taught was one of 213 math and science teachers nationally to be named by President Barack Obama for the honor, the White House announced on Monday.

“This great honor validates the effort I have made to advocate for science education,” said O’Malley, an employee of the Skokie/Morton Grove School District 69. “My students' curiosity and passion for science made me the science teacher who I am. During my teaching career, I have realized that outstanding science education is a necessity, a right, needed by all students as they move forward in our complex world. It is our responsibility to pursue equal science education for students from all backgrounds. I am hopeful that PAEMST will help me as I advocate for equity.”

O’Malley will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation after being recognized during a Sept. 8 ceremony in the nation’s capital.

His fourth grade classroom at Edison has been described as “student-centered, action-packed and movement-oriented.”

“James taps into students' personal interests, makes every student feel valued, and uses students' innate curiosity as a foundation for learning experiences,” according to the National Science Foundation.

Before his time at Edison, O’Malley taught science at the Chicago Botanic Garden for 15 years.

O’Malley and the other recipients of the honor were selected by a panel of scientists, mathematicians and educators after an initial selection process at the state level. They represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and Department of Defense Education Activity schools.

"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. “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.”