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BACK TO SCHOOL 2016 | wyoea.org 11 5 Back-To-School Tips To Avoid Legal Problems Erin M. Kendall/Hacker, Hacker & Kendall, P.C. Two Wyoming Educators Honored With Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching In August the White House announced the winners of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Up to 108 teachers are recognized each year. Gayla Hammer, a sixth grade science teacher at Lander Middle School (Fremont County School District No. 1), and Nancy Windholz, a 2 nd -3 rd grade teacher at Saratoga Elementary School (Carbon County School District No. 2), were named as 2016 awardees. Gayla has been an educator for 33 years, and has spent the past five years teaching sixth grade science at Lander Middle School. "The PAEMST process has helped me to analyze my teaching and identify strategies to increase student engagement and learning of concepts," she said. Nancy is a 12-year educator and has been at Saratoga Elementary School for four years. She currently teaches second and third grades, has presented at family Math Nights, and was a Gifted and Talented Coordinator. Since the PAEMST program's inception in 1983, more than 4,600 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Teachers are Gayla Hammer, 6th grade science teacher at Lander Middle School, accepts her PAEMST. nominated by students, parents, colleagues, supervisors, or they may apply directly. Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President, a trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Nancy Windholz, 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Saratoga Elementary School, received the PAEMST.