After being named a finalist in 2016, Grant County’s own, Mrs. Shannon Brickler, was one of 104 teachers nationwide to be awarded in July, 2018, the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Established in 1983, and administered by the National
Science Foundation, the PAEMST is the highest award kindergarten through 12th
grade mathematics and science teachers can receive from the U.S.
government. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that
requires them to demonstrate their excellence in content knowledge and ability
to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. Teachers
are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to
improving STEM education.
That Mrs. Brickler should be chosen for such a distinguished
award comes as no surprise to administrative teams, colleagues, students, and
parents who have been fortunate enough to work with her. Jennifer Wright,
Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for Grant County Schools
shares, “Mrs. Brickler has a long-standing reputation for being a leader in developing instruction both at Dry Ridge Elementary where she taught math for 13 years, and now as a Curriculum Specialist at Sherman Elementary. Our entire district has benefited greatly by her passion and leadership.”
In addition to providing excellence in instruction to the students in her classroom, Mrs. Brickler has embraced various opportunities to improve her own skills, and to share these skills with others. In addition to her bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University, and her master’s in education from Georgetown College, Mrs. Brickler has also successfully completed the rigorous criteria for National Board Certification. Likewise, she has been a participant and coach for the Kentucky Classroom Teachers Enacting Positive Solutions program, and guided educators to use design thinking and action research to implement positive changes for students. She has been an elite coach for the Kentucky Center for Mathematics / Kentucky Department of Education Master Coaching Program working with Kentucky mathematics coaches and teachers to impact student instruction. She is currently participating as a master coach to improve her coaching.
For Mrs. Brickler, the award does not signify the arrival at some aspired destination, but rather, she says, “It signifies my commitment to continuous learning; it is a catalyst for continuous improvement and the refinement of my craft.”