Kennedy Named Finalist for Presidential Award

Dr. Kathy Kennedy, Peck’s Lower School science teacher and Science Department Chair, was named one of two New Jersey finalists for the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The highest national recognition that a K-12 science, technology, engineering, or math teacher can receive, the PAEMST awards recognizes outstanding teachers who embody (among many criteria) deep content knowlege, exemplary pedagogical skills, leadership, reflective teaching, student assessment expertise, and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in STEM disciplines.

The awards follow a robust process from nomination to selection—which not only highlights the nominated

teacher’s skills and qualities, but also reflects upon the school’s program and student experience as a whole. For example, a required element of Kennedy’s application documentation was an actual science lesson she uses here at Peck. She submitted a video recording of a third-grade lesson examining variables affecting motion. “Student actions” and “science talk” were examined as a representation of student experience.

Kennedy also was tasked to include examples of differentiation strategies to meet the needs of all students, and formative and summative assessment examples that reflect student learning. These elements—which are reflective of the overall science program at Peck— were commended for their creativity, alignment to standards, and ability to promote learning for all students.

A national selection committee composed of prominent mathematicians, scientists, math/ science education researchers, district personnel, and classroom teachers convene to review finalists’ applications. The National Science Foundation (NSF) then recognizes up to two finalists per state. Kennedy is one of those finalists, and was recognized in-person at the NJ Science Convention Banquet on October 18.

“I am humbled to be a 2022 Finalist for the PAEMST program and honored to join this cadre of outstanding educators,” said Kennedy. “The award process is a reflective journey that has improved my teaching and inspired me to continue to grow as an educator, and guide each science learner that I work with in the Peck community. Recognition in the PAEMST program speaks highly of Peck’s science program, and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and administrators.”

Established by Congress in 1983, the awards are administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The President of the United States may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers per year. Awardees receive a grant from the NSF, participate in an award ceremony at the White House, and join a national cohort of award-winning teachers and professionals with opportunities to impact teaching on a state and national scale.

The Peck School is a K-8, co-ed, independent school in Morristown, NJ. www.peckschool.org

We set the standard for excellence in K-8 education, where academic preparation and character development intersect powerfully in the learning experience. By embedding consideration of others, service, and belonging in all that we do, we are designing an integrated approach to education that develops curious and disciplined learners who positively shape the world. Follow us for more:

Instagram: @thepeckschool

Facebook: facebook.com/peckschool