Emerald
Ridge High School math teacher Tracie Shepard is one of eight teachers
from Washington who has been selected as a state-level finalist for the
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Shepard,
who has been teaching in the Puyallup School District since 1989, is
one of four state-level finalists for the national award in mathematics.
Another four teachers throughout the state are finalists for the
science recognition.
“These
eight amazing teachers are not only innovating in their own classrooms,
they are also inspiring innovation in their colleagues,” said state
Superintendent Randy Dorn. “The leadership and mentoring of teachers
like these make Washington a standout in STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math) education. Their efforts will benefit students
for many years.”
The
finalists were selected during the summer by a statewide committee
comprised of content-area experts and award-winning teachers, according
to information released October 23 by the Office of the Superintendent
of Public Instruction.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest honor for a K-12 mathematics or science teacher. Each year, the award selection alternates between elementary and secondary teachers.
To
be considered, teachers must be nominated and complete a comprehensive
application. A state selection committee reviews completed applications
and may forward up to five nominations from mathematics and up to five
from science to the national program for consideration.
Shepard
teaches calculus, pre-calculus, and Collection of Evidence (COE)
algebra classes. She is also the school’s math department chairperson.
National award recipients are typically announced in the spring. State-level
finalists are recognized by regional and state math and science
associations and invited to several annual state events for
award-winning educators.