DES MOINES – Two Iowa educators have been named recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Angie Bonthuis, an educator at Gilbert Elementary School in the Gilbert Community School District, was honored for her work in mathematics. Bonthuis has been an educator for 25 years, teaching preschool at Southeast Webster for four years, as well as kindergarten at Gilbert Elementary School for the past 21 years. In addition, she has served as a model teacher, tech innovator, and leadership team member for her district.
Sarah Borzo was honored for her work in science. Borzo has been an educator for 11 years. She taught sixth grade science and reading at South Sioux City Middle School in South Sioux City, Neb., before moving to South Middle School in Waukee to teach sixth grade science. During her time at South, Sarah also served as the science curriculum leader and as a new teacher mentor. She now leads education and outreach for Metro Waste Authority, designing and delivering environmental education to k-12 students across central Iowa. Borzo also contributed as a content developer for sixth grade science for Iowa e-Learning Central.
Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
The PAEMST program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.
PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten-through-12th grade mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Since 1983, more than 5,200 teachers nationwide have been recognized for this honor.