4 Minnesota STEM Teachers Named Finalists For Presidential Award

MINNESOTA — Four Minnesota teachers have been selected as 2023 finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The award, conferred by the White House and National Science Foundation, is considered the nation’s highest honor for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers.

The Minnesota finalists are:

• Lainey Bristow, Hiawatha Collegiate High School, Minneapolis. Science Finalist
• Jill Jensen, Scott Highlands Middle School, Apple Valley. Science Finalist
• Beth Robelia, St. Paul Public Schools Online High School, St Paul. Science Finalist
• Alexis Wolf, John Glenn Middle School in Maplewood. Mathematics Finalist

"I am honored to announce the Minnesota finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science," said Willie Jett, the state's education commissioner.

"Lainey, Jill, Beth and Alexis demonstrate expertise and dedication in their classrooms and are exemplary of the work being done by teachers throughout the state to engage students in learning about STEM."

The four teachers will now move on to the national level for the final selection of the 2023 PAEMST National Awardees.

Winners will receive $10,000, a Presidential certificate, and a trip to Washington, D.C.