Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

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The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. The Awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.

Awards are given to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).

The award recognizes those teachers 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. Since the program's inception, more than 5,000 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

Eligibility, Nominations, Applications, and State Finalists

Colorado's 2020-2021 State Finalists

• Download the Media Release for Elissa Pitts (PDF)
• Download the Media Release for Jacob Thompson (PDF)
• Download the Media Release for Natalie Sprigg (PDF)

Three Colorado mathematics teachers have been named Colorado Finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation's highest honor for U.S. K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers. The awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. State finalists represent the most outstanding teachers Colorado has to offer and serve as both a model and an inspiration to students and fellow teachers.

Elissa Pitts, a 24-year veteran teaching at Poudre High School in Fort Collins, part of the Poudre School District, is being named a state finalist for the second time. "I am honored to be named as one of Colorado’s PAEMST finalists," says Pitts. "In over two decades of teaching, I have learned from countless mentors, colleagues, and students and I know that I still have much to learn," Pitts says, humbly. "I hope that this recognition can represent the work that all teachers have done this year to provide education to students in the midst of the many challenging situations we have faced." In her application, Pitts stressed how she tries to take fresh approaches to make math useful for students. "I know that math education can open the doors to many career opportunities, allow students to be flexible in the workplace, and help them better understand the world around them." Pitts’s principal, Kathy Mackay, highlighted the work Pitts does to help all students. "Reaching kids who can’t see higher education in their future is difficult. That is why Elissa tries to identify struggling students even before they walk through our doors," says Mackay. "Elissa collaborates with middle school teachers to make sure students are correctly placed and given proper support."

Jacob Thompson, an eighth-grade teacher at STEM Lab K-8 in Northglenn, part of Adams 12 Five-Star Schools, is in his 7th year as a teacher. "To be able to walk away from this school year with this recognition means a lot to me," says Thompson. "My application would not have been successful if it were not for the perseverance of my students or the resilience of my coworkers throughout the year." The lesson Thompson submitted with his application showed students, some in class and some learning remotely, engaging in real-world applications of mathematics. "I truly believe that all students have the ability to learn mathematics at a high level given the right opportunities, and it is important we find ways to provide these opportunities for all students, because you never know who will come up with an idea that will change the world," adds Thompson. "His teaching and classroom environment is the perfect blend of guided curiosity and best teaching," says Tracy Tellinger, the principal of STEM Lab K-8. "Jacob is creative in his thinking and is always willing to challenge and break down the barriers in an effort to achieve the utmost success for students."

Natalie Sprigg, a 16-year veteran at Mountain Ridge Middle School in Highlands Ranch, part of the Douglas County School District, is being named a state finalist for the second time. "It is truly an honor to be recognized among one of many talented, dedicated, and intelligent Colorado educators. Especially after the last year and a half of teaching, when I know every educator has gone out of his/her way to engage in teaching like never before," says Sprigg. "I am humbled by the strengths of those in my school, community, and across the state and am looking forward to continuing to grow as an educator." Sprigg’s PAEMST application highlighted her skills in orchestrating productive discussions in her classroom. "Use of structured discourse combined with standards-based and student-centered tasks offers opportunities for all students," says Sprigg. Sprigg supports other staff members in addition to supporting students. "Natalie has successfully hosted student teachers and has worked diligently as a mentor to many of our newer staff members," says Brian Singleton, Sprigg’s principal at Mountain Ridge Middle School. "She’s been an integral member of our teacher leader team."

Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district-level personnel, and classroom teachers recommends up to 108 teachers to receive PAEMST awards. Up to two teachers—mathematics or science—from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories as a group (comprising American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) receive the award. Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from NSF, a Presidential certificate, and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state/jurisdiction and national STEM teaching.

Colorado's Latest Awardee in Mathematics

Michelle Dillard, Ford Elementary School, Littleton School District

2020 Awardee for K-6 Mathematics

"Every student deserves to be continually awed and humbled by all there is to learn about our world, and we as teachers should provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students to explore and grow. We as educators pursue excellence in our field on behalf of our students who deserve the very best every day. To me, the Presidential Award represents a tremendous honor and wonderful opportunity to partner with great educators to learn how to be the best we can be for our students."

Michelle Dillard has been an educator for 15 years and has taught all fifth-grade subjects at Mark Twain Elementary School for the past eight. Previously, she taught at Thornton Elementary School. In 2021-2022, she is part of a team opening a new school, Dr. Justina Ford Elementary School, where she teaches fifth grade.

Michelle believes every person can be a mathematics person and loves to find engaging pathways for all learners that lead to high levels of mathematics. In her classroom, she encourages students to try on ideas as “rough draft thinking,” develop growth mindsets as they add layers to their conceptual understandings, and model novel situations. She facilitates mathematics forums and congresses to increase student discourse. Her learners love utilizing problem strings to use what they know to solve what they don’t know yet and to model a variety of connected strategies.

Michelle has served on district teams developing units of study, adopting and training others in curriculum, and acting as a model training classroom. She also served on a core team for her school’s transition to an International Baccalaureate school. She is trained in Add+Vantage Math Recovery to advance numeracy development for younger mathematicians and loves using this to help with interventions. She enjoys continually learning professionally as a member of the Colorado Council for Teachers of Mathematics.

Michelle has a B.A., summa cum laude, in elementary education from Dallas Baptist University and an M.S., summa cum laude, in linguistically and culturally diverse education from Fort Hays State University. She has a Colorado Master Teacher certification in elementary education and English as a Second Language and is a National Board Certified Middle Childhood Generalist.

Past Awardees in Mathematics