Madison teacher one of five finalist for presidential award | People

A Madison schoolteacher is one of five state finalists for a top presidential teaching award.

Kim Bowen, first grade teacher at Rainbow Elementary School, is a nominee for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 teachers in those disciplines.

Bowen, an educator with more than 25 years of experience, is a National Board Certified Teacher and is a finalist for her math teaching proficiency. She is a certified instructor for Mathematical Perspectives and Mathematics Their Way. As such, she leads educational courses nationwide to assist educators in how to teach and assess mathematics for understanding. She was the 2007-08 district wide elementary teacher of the year for Madison City Schools.

State Schools Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice said the five Alabama honorees are helping the state move into a strong national leadership position in education. “Mathematics and science are vital parts of curriculum in today’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)-oriented world. The five elementary school teachers honored by (PAEMST) bring great prestige to the teaching profession.”

Dorinda White, principal at Rainbow Elementary, called Bowen an exceptional educator whose “passion” for how students learn is evident in every conversation.

“Her understanding of the child as a developmental learner, especially in the area of mathematics, is obvious in the continual use of concrete objects when teaching students early numerical skills in her first grade classroom. She does not hesitate to go the extra mile with a student whether the need is small group instruction, individualized instruction, or even after school tutoring.”

White said Bowen assesses students frequently to help pinpoint and quickly fill the gap of any weaknesses. “Rainbow is fortunate to have her on faculty and honored and thrilled to have her receive this well deserved recognition,” White said.

According to al.com, other Alabama finalists for the award are Rita Schell and Pamela Smith of Homewood City Schools, Jessica Ellzey of Mobile County Schools and Danielle Peterson of the Hoover School System. The five finalists will be recognized by the State Board of Education Thursday, followed by an awards luncheon sponsored by the National Science Foundation at the Capital City Club in Montgomery.

Established by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House office of Science and Technology Policy. Chanda Davis, a science teacher at Huntsville High School, was a PAEMST winner last year.

Source: Madison City Schools