RICHMOND, VA (Rocktown Now) — Harrisonburg High School teacher, Erich Sneller, was one of six Virginia teachers recognized last week as Virginia’s recipients for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award, regarded as the nation’s top honor for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers, recognizes educators who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas.  

The following teachers are Virginia state recipients:

  • Erich Sneller, Harrisonburg High School, Harrisonburg, 7-12 Science (2023)
  • Emily Burrell, South Lakes High School, Reston, 7-12 Mathematics (2023)
  • Raymond Cotter, William Fleming High School, Roanoke, 7-12 Science (2021)
  • Sarah Flippen, Madison Elementary School, Ruther Glen, K-6 Mathematics (2022)
  • Geraldine Maskelony, Arlington Career Center, Arlington, 7-12 Mathematics (2021)
  • Marie Peaches, James K. Polk Elementary School, Alexandria, K-6 Science (2022)

“I am honored to recognize and celebrate the six Virginia educators who have received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “This prestigious award exemplifies each of these educators outstanding teaching abilities, content expertise, and commitment to ensuring every student succeeds. Congratulations and thank you for serving as outstanding representatives of the Commonwealth.”

State finalists were selected by review committees convened by the Virginia Department of Education. Nominees were required to provide evidence of deep content knowledge and exemplary teaching skills.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House. The award alternates annually between teachers in Grades K-6 and teachers in Grades 7-12. The President may recognize a total of 110 exemplary teachers each year. A national review committee reviewed the applications of state finalists, and the winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching was announced by the White House last week.

National awardees each receive a $10,000 unrestricted award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and participate in a series of recognition events and professional development activities in the nation’s capital. For more information about the award, visit: paemst.nsf.gov.