Page 22 - TTWISummer2024

Leadership
Page 22 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Six Wisconsin Teachers Named Finalists for National Math and Science

Teaching Award

finalists for the 2024 PAEMST are: School, Middleton-Cross Plains Area
• Jacquelynn Bazylewicz, fifth grade School District
teacher (mathematics finalist), Edgewood Presented annually since 1983, K–12
Elementary, School District of Greenfield science, technology, engineering, mathematics,
• Debra Heitman, fifth grade teacher and/or computer science teachers from across
(mathematics finalist), Coleman Elemen- the nation are nominated for the award. States
tary School, Coleman School District establish committees who select finalists based
• Mary Ellen Kanthack, sixth grade on criteria required by the national PAeMST
teacher (science finalist), Brookwood program. Applications from Wisconsin’s final-
Middle School, Genoa City Joint 2 School ists will be judged at the national level by a
District committee organized by the National Science
• Sheila Kohl, fifth-sixth grade STEM Foundation, which administers PAeMST on
teacher (science finalist), West De Pere behalf of The White House Office of Science
Intermediate School, School District of and Technology Policy. One awardee in math-
West De Pere ematics and one awardee in science will receive
a $10,000 award from the National Science
The Wisconsin Department of Public ematics and Science Teaching, exemplify what it • Melissa Sperle, fifth grade teacher (math- Foundation, professional development opportu-
Instruction has announced that six Wiscon- means to be an effective educator,” Wisconsin’s ematics finalist), Winskill Elementary nities, and are honored at an award ceremony in
sin educators have been named finalists for State Superintendent said. “They have expertise School, Lancaster Community Schools Washington, D.C.
a national award honoring mathematics and in math and science, and they have an unwaver- • Rhonda Veroeven, sixth grade teacher Courtesy of the Wisconsin DPI
science teachers for their achievement in teach- ing passion and commitment. I know they inspire (science finalist), Glacier Creek Middle
ing the subjects. The 2024 Presidential Awards their students – they inspire all of us – and I con-
for Excellence in Mathematics and Science gratulate them and thank them for going above
Teaching is considered the highest honor and beyond in supporting their students.” 2025 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year
bestowed by the u.S. government for math and The teachers were named finalists for their
science teachers. deep knowledge of the subjects they teach, in Continued from Page 20
“These amazing teachers, all finalists for addition to facilitating and encouraging success
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math- among students in those areas. Wisconsin’s is patient. She listens. She has meaningful with Agriculture Resources educational center
responses to student’s questions. each lesson and manages the school farm, which gives
begins (for her 500+ students) with reciting the students the opportunity to produce goods for
Templeton Principal Chosen art room mantra- “I am positive, I am creative, school lunch. She is also the National Asso-
ciation of Agricultural educators’ mentor
I am mindful, I am amazing, I am an artist!”
for State Honor teachers the resources they need when they facilitator, where she helps agriculture teachers
Her relentless dedication to bringing art
from around the nation develop inquiry-based
need them is truly outstanding. Her work at instruction modules for students.
Hamilton School District and parents. Together, we are committed to pro- Art Of education university and in her school Her impact on students can best be
Templeton Middle School Principal Brad viding a supportive and empowering educational and local communities has positively impacted described by her colleague, Rebecca, “To
Hoffmann was selected as the 2023-24 Wis- experience that prepares our students not only teachers and students everywhere. watch Rachel instruct is to witness her peak
consin Association of School Councils (WASC) for academic success but also for a lifetime of Congratulations, Sarah! students’ interests in the world around them,
Junior and Middle School (JAM) Administrator leadership and service. Building meaningful tease out reluctant learners with her storytell-
of the Year. The award recognizes Hoffmann for connections with students lies at the heart of our ing skills, and masterfully make learning come
his exceptional and unwavering support of Tem- educational approach, as we believe in nurturing cambridge.k12.wi.us alive.”
pleton Middle School’s Student Council. not just academic growth, but also personal and That learning especially comes alive
“Brad’s devotion to developing the lead- leadership development.” beyond the walls of her hands-on classroom
ership potential in our students is evident to “By championing the student council, our as she guides students through successfully
everyone around him,” shares Templeton Asso- principal provides a platform for students to voice managing an animal lab, aquaculture lab, and
ciate Principal Cody Leland. “He takes the time their ideas, take on responsibilities and enact pos- a greenhouse thanks to Rachel’s vision of a
to allow students to explore ideas, provides feed- itive change in our school community,” explains school farm where students could take their
back and ultimately cultivates new initiatives Templeton Middle School Student Council learning even further.
alongside our student leaders. It is a passion of Advisor Mary Caucutt. “Through this support, Whether she’s championing those
his and our students appreciate seeing a principal students learn invaluable skills in collaboration, affected by food insecurity, raising money for
who is so actively engaged in wanting to better decision-making and communication, laying the the Happy Kids Backpack Program, or men-
their Templeton experience.” foundation for future leadership success.” toring pre-service Agriscience teachers, her
WASC Executive Director Bjorn Berg WASC is a statewide organization of dedication spreads into her community.
explained that Hoffmann was selected because public, private and parochial elementary, middle, At her core, Rachel is a life learner and
his consistent mentorship has played a crucial junior and senior high school student councils engaging educator, but what she gives back
role in honing Templeton students’ leadership and student leadership groups dedicated to the makes her an outstanding educator, commu-
skills and fostering a positive and collaborative continuation and expansion of leadership devel- nity collaborator, and national champion to
environment. “Brad actively participates in and opment and student responsibilities in Wisconsin. rachel Sauvola thousands.
attends each Student Council event, providing Congratulations, Rachel!
invaluable support to their activities,” adds Berg. Agriscience teacher at New Richmond High
Hoffmann calls this a tremendous honor School (New Richmond School District)
and says “This award serves as a testament to www.hamilton.k12.wi.us As an agriculture teacher at the school, newrichmond.k12.wi.us
the dedication and hard work of our entire school Sauvola developed the Students Opportunities
community, including students, educators, staff