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Contact: April Isenhower
(202) 225-4465
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Congressman Garrett Congratulates New Jersey Winner of Presidential Teaching Award
Washington,
Apr 14, 2005 -
Today U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) congratulated Mrs. Ashley Rothbard Berk from Travell Elementary School in Ridgewood for being selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
“I want to congratulate Mrs. Berk of Travell Elementary School for being selected for this prestigious honor. She is a credit to New Jersey and a credit to our many outstanding educators,” Garrett said.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching was established in 1983 to recognize the outstanding science and mathematics teachers, kindergarten through 12th grade, in each state and the four U.S. jurisdictions. Today, the White House award is recognized as the Nation’s highest commendation for elementary and secondary math and science teachers.
Berk was recognized for teaching her students fractions, decimals and percentages using a technique to reach different types of learners: the visual, auditory, verbal and kinesthetic. She developed the method in an effort to make sure students in her fifth-grade class were operating at their optimum learning ability.
This year’s winners were selected from more than 600 nominees. After an initial selection process at the state level, a national panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators reviews the extensive application packets of the state finalists and recommends the teachers who will receive a Presidential award. Berk is the sole awardee from New Jersey this year.
Each of the 2004 Presidential awardees will receive a $10,000 grant for their school and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Garrett concluded, “To paraphrase Oliver Wendell Holmes, the greatest teacher makes others believe in greatness, and they leave a lasting mark on the lives around them. Today, I am proud and honored to join in the applause for one of the Nation’s great teachers – Mrs. Ashley Berk. We are grateful for your dedication to providing New Jersey children with an outstanding education.”
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