3 Oakland County Science, Math Teachers Win Presidential Awards

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Three Oakland County teachers are among 213 nationwide who will be honored next month with the Presidential Award for Excellence in in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the White House said.

The Oakland County teachers are Brian Langley, a science teacher at Novi High School; Wendy Osterman, a mathematics teacher at Sashabaw Middle School (Clarkston Community Schools); and Francie Robertson, a mathematics teacher at Pine Tree Elementary (Lake Orion Public Schools). Gary Koppelman, a science teacher at Blissfield Elementary School in Lenawee County, will also be recognized.

The four Michigan teachers, along with honorees from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories and Department of Defense Education Activity schools, will be honored in a Sept. 8 ceremony in Washington, DC.

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

“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,” President Barack 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,” he said.

Image: Shutterstock