Brenda Kaufmann.

The Iowa Department of Education announced this past week that two Iowa educators have been named 2024 finalists in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

This year’s finalists are:

-PAEMST Mathematics: Susan Wenger, who teaches at Valley Elementary School in Elgin.

-PAEMST Science: Brenda Kaufmann, who teaches second grade at North Tama Elementary School in Traer; she is also the district’s STEM coordinator.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Up to 110 teachers are recognized each year. Awards alternate each year between elementary and secondary teachers.

More than 5,200 teachers from each of the 50 states, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools and six U.S. jurisdictions have been recognized since Congress created the program in 1983. The awards are administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Recognized for their contributions in the classroom and their profession, award recipients have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful. They are role models for their colleagues and in their communities and demonstrate the positive impact of teachers on student achievement.

Award recipients will receive a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend recognition events and pursue professional development opportunities, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and a certificate signed by the president of the United States.

The Iowa Department of Education anticipates winners will be announced later this year.