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
national 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 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.”
In
a congratulatory letter to Shepard, Dorn wrote, “I commend you on your
selection from the field of outstanding candidates for this prestigious
recognition … Thank you for your incredible contributions to the
students and families of Washington.”
A
statewide committee comprised of content area experts and award-winning
teachers selected the finalists last summer, according to information
released in October 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. The 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.
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.
Shepard
teaches calculus, pre-calculus, and Collection of Evidence (COE)
algebra classes. She is also the school’s math department chairwoman and
earned National Board Certification — one of the highest recognitions
in the teaching profession — in 2010.
Her
nominations include write-ups by Emerald Ridge High School Dean of
Students Lisa Kusche and former Principal Brian Lowney, who left the
high school this year to become the district’s chief academic officer of
Regional Learning Community #3.
“Tracie
is a uniquely gifted and talented math teacher,” Kusche wrote. “She is a
master at designing a powerful, engaging learning experience.”
Kusche
continued, “As a student advocate, her actions demonstrate her strong
belief that every child can learn and be successful … She not only cares
about every student mastering math skills, she regularly can be found
helping a student with a research paper, scholarship application, or
student portfolio. Thus, her students fondly call her, ‘Mama Shep.’”
Lowney referred to Shepard as “math teacher extraordinaire.”
“First
and foremost, it is obvious that Tracie loves kids … all kids,” Lowney
wrote. “She is able to get the most out of her students because this
caring disposition is obvious to each of them. Tracie’s combination of
true compassion, high standards for each student, and unbelievable
teaching skill really sets her apart as an educator.”