Upper St. Clair Math Teacher Receives National Honor

UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA - Upper St. Clair High School math teacher and curriculum leader Steve Miller has received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching. He is one of just four teachers in Pennsylvania - and 215 in the entire country - to earn the honor.

Established in 1983, the award is the highest honor award kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Miller was a finalist for the award in 2017.

“The Presidential Award recognizes teachers who have dedicated themselves to continual reflection and improvement of their craft for the betterment of their students,” Miller said in a district release. “To be included in this group is both humbling and motivating. It is a great responsibility to live up to the standard set by past awardees.”

Nominees for the award complete a rigorous application process that requires them to demonstrate excellence in content knowledge and ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of scientists, mathematicians, education researchers, school and district administrators, and educators review applications at the state and national levels.

Nominee recommendations are sent to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for final selection.Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and
dedication to improving STEM education.

Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

“Mr. Miller sees the future of education with clarity, models a growth mindset, and is voracious in his desire to learn more about trends,” high school principal Timothy Wagner said. “An authority in ‘best practices,’ Mr. Miller never abandons what is best for students as he explores new ways of thinking about teaching and learning.”