July 20, 2005
State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Announces
Finalists for Presidential Teaching Awards
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated five outstanding California teachers selected by a national panel as state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Margaret Cagle and Susan Schreibman Ford were selected from the math category. Caleb Cheung, Susan Deemer, and Catherine Nicholas were selected from the science category. As finalists, they are now nominated to represent the state in the PAEMST competition that is the nation's highest teaching award. The winners will be announced in March 2006 by President Bush.
"The exemplary work of these teachers is important now more than ever before as we begin to challenge kids with more difficult coursework in order to prepare them for college or jobs of the future," said O’Connell. "I commend them for their love of teaching, hard work, and dedication that inspires kids to learn math and science."
Margaret Cagle, 50, is from Woodland Hills. She teaches eighth grade honors algebra, geometry, and French at Lawrence Gifted/Highly Gifted Magnet in Chatsworth within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Originally an architect by training, Cagle became an educator after learning there is a critical shortage of math teachers. She earned her National Board Certification in 1999.
Susan Schreibman Ford, 39, is from Turlock. She teaches algebra, integrated math, and serves as department chair at Delhi High School within the Delhi Unified School District School. Schreibman Ford is on an educator leadership team and is a teacher-trainer for the interactive math program. She received her National Board Certification in 2002.
Caleb Cheung, 33, is from Oakland. He teaches seventh grade life science at Frick Middle School within the Oakland Unified School District. He mentors other science teachers and plans special science activities for students and their families. Cheung earned his National Board Certification in 2000.
Susan Deemer, 32, is from Redwood City. She teaches seventh grade chemistry and eighth grade physics at Katherine Delmar Burke School, a private girls’ school in San Francisco. Deemer often uses hands-on demonstrations to spark student interest and curiosity about the complexities of science that require abstract thinking. She is the co-facilitator of the curriculum council at the school.
Catherine Nicholas, 42, is from Castiac. She teaches seventh grade science at Rio Norte Junior High School in Valencia within the William S. Hart Union High School District. Nicholas chairs the science department that she helped set up at the school, and is coach to the school’s Science Olympiad that has led to three awards. She received her National Board Certification in 2002.
PAEMST has honored more than 3,000 K-12 math and science teachers nationwide since the program’s inception in 1983. Up to three teachers in both the math and science categories may be nominated yearly by each state, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and schools operated worldwide by the Department of Defense Education Agency. A national panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators selects as many as 108 teachers representing each geographic region who will then receive the Presidential Award.
The winners will get a $10,000 award, a citation from the President, and a paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a series of recognition events, information exchange programs, and an awards ceremony.
The five California nominees for 2005 and the 2004 Presidential Awardees will be recognized at a fall meeting of the State Board of Education in Sacramento. They also will receive a plaque signed by both O'Connell and State Board of Education President Ruth Green at a luncheon following the board meeting.
For more information on PAEMST, including past winners, please visit Presidential Awards for Math & Science Teaching.
