WASHINGTON -- A pair of Arkansas teachers were recognized Wednesday by President Barack Obama as two of the top math and science educators in the country.
Brian Leonard, a math teacher at Lake Hamilton High School in Garland County, and Amanda Jones, a science teacher at Poyen High School in Grant County, are among 108 recipients of The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, according to a news release from the White House.
They will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation and a trip to Washington later this year to be recognized.
"These teachers are shaping America's success through their passion for math and science," Obama said in the news release. "Their leadership and commitment empower our children to think critically and creatively about science, technology, engineering, and math. The work these teachers are doing in our classrooms today will help ensure that America stays on the cutting edge tomorrow."
Recipients of the award are chosen by a panel of scientists, mathematicians and educators after a selection process at the state level, according to the White House. Established in 1983, the award alternates annually between teachers teaching kindergarten through sixth grade and those teaching seventh through 12th grades. The recipients named Wednesday teach seventh through 12th grades.
Metro on 07/02/2015