Round Rock Educator Among Finalists For Nation's Highest Honor Bestowed On Math, Science Teachers

ROUND ROCK, TX -- A local educator is among the ten finalists for the 2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, officials said.

The state's Commissioner of Education Mike Morath made the announcement on Wednesday in detailing the awards recognizing kindergarten through sixth grade math and science teachers "...whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom."

The award is the nation's highest honor bestowed on math and science teachers.

Among the teachers who are finalists for the awards is Deborah Swyers from the Round Rock ISD who teached third grade math at Elsa England Elementary School.

Round Rock ISD disclosed Swyers' finalist status in a July 28 posting on the district's website. In a profile of the teacher, she credited her engagement with educators via social media, her own pursuit of professional development and her participation as a cohort in the district's "Math Rocks" professional development program as factors that have made her a success in the classroom.

“It’s validating to know all the research I’ve done to elevate my level of instruction has paid off and I’m really making a difference,” Swyers said.

The award is bestowed on teachers from each of the 50 state and four U.S. jurisdictions, recognizing educators who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program aided in its development with content knowledge toward enhancing student learning, according to the National Science Foundation.

The winners receive $10,000, a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a fully funded trip for two to Washington, D.C. to attend recognition events and professional development opportunities.

Principal Jana Stowe, who nominated Swyers, lauded Swyers' ability to make math accessible to students by showing them how it impacts their daily lives.

“Mrs. Swyers routinely integrates mathematics with other content areas so that students have opportunities to see the beauty and relevance of mathematics in their daily lives,” Stowe said in a prepared statement. “The joy is in watching her students engaged in their learning as a result.”

Sywers has taught for 18 years, six of those at Round Rock ISD.

“I want my students to see math and as an engaging subject full of discovery,” Swyers said. “We collaborate, talk about our mathematical thinking and justify our reasonings. The kids are making discoveries and connections on their own, presenting strategies I haven’t even thought of.”

Commissioner Morath commended each of the nominated teachers, saying their work is reflective of teachers' work ethic throughout the state.

"Texans need look no further than the math and science classrooms across our state to witness the outstanding work being carried out by teachers each school day," Morath said in a prepared statement. "These ten finalists reflect the very best in innovative instruction and I congratulate each of them on this national recognition."

In addition to Swyers, the 2016 Texas finalists in elementary mathematics are:

• Deborah Cunningham　(Garland ISD)– Fourth grade mathematics and science teacher at John W. Armstrong Elementary School
• Ashley Dodson (Allen ISD)　– Second grade teacher at Beverly Cheatham Elementary School
• Robert Rivera (Brownsville ISD)　– Sixth grade mathematics teacher at Harry Lee Faulk Middle School
• Misty Ruth (Pasadena ISD)　– Kindergarten teacher at Adella Young Elementary School

The Texas finalists in elementary science are:

• Rubi deHoyos (Northside ISD) – Kindergarten-fifth grade science teacher at Jim G. Martin Elementary School in San Antonio
• Kirk Evans (Allen ISD)　– Fifth grade science teacher at David and Lynda Olson Elementary School
• Denise Koontz (Keller ISD)　– Fifth grade science teacher at Trinity Meadows Intermediate School
• Andrea Miller (Mesquite ISD)　– Fifth grade science teacher at B.J. Smith Elementary School
• Kelly Spradley (Little Elm ISD)　– Fifth grade science teacher at D.H. Brent Elementary School

For additional information about the PAEMST program, click here.

>>> Photo courtesy of Round Rock ISD