DoDEA

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — May 2, 2011 — Two Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) teachers have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Erika Meadows, from Hohenfels, Germany received the Math award and Lisa Zimmerman, also from Hohenfels, Germany received the Science award.

President Barack Obama announced the 85 mathematics and science teachers selected last week. All of the educators will receive their awards in Washington, D.C. later this year.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level.

Each year the award alternates between teachers teaching kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades. The 2010 awardees named today teach kindergarten through 6th grade.

"We are so proud of these teachers and the honor bestowed upon them by the President," said Acting DoDEA Director Marilee Fitzgerald. "Their selection places them in an esteemed group of educators nationally speaks volumes about the uncommon skill and devotion that both Erica and Lisa bring to our DoDEA students."

"By cultivating young minds and igniting a passion for math and science, our teachers set students on a path to success as they pursue their dreams," Fitzgerald said.

President Obama has committed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and prepare 100,000 effective science and mathematics teachers over the next decade. These commitments build on the President's "Educate to Innovate" campaign, which has attracted more than $700 million in donations and in-kind support from corporations, philanthropies, service organizations, and others to help bolster science and technology education in the classroom.

"This well deserved recognition is yet another example of the quality of our teaching force and underscores the many talents and dedication that DoDEA teachers bring to military families every day in classrooms round the world," said Fitzgerald.

Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and the Administration.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten - 12th grade education programs for Department of Defense (DoD) dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, the United States, Guam, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Education Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.