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GRANT COUNTY’S SHANNON BRICKLER NAMED A FINALIST FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHING!
GRANT COUNTY’S SHANNON BRICKLER NAMED A FINALIST FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHING!Congratulations to Grant County teacher, Shannon Brickler,
who has been named a Kentucky finalist for the national “Presidential Award for
Excellence in Math and Science Teaching!”

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching
(PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government
specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching.Established by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST
program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year.

Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from
each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories.The award recognizes those teachers who
develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by
content knowledge and enhances student learning.Awardees serve as models for their
colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of
mathematics and science education.

Mrs. Brickler was initially nominated for the award eight
years ago by her then colleague, Mrs. Krista Stanley.At the time she declined the opportunity to
continue with the application process, but this year she received another
invitation from PAEMST to proceed.Intrigued by the possibility, she did.

The completed application includes three components:Administrative, Narrative, and Video, which
together allows the nominee/applicant the opportunity to provide evidence of
deep content knowledge and exemplary pedagogical skills that result in improved
student learning.Applicants are evaluated
using the following five Dimensions of Outstanding Teaching:
Mastery of mathematics or science content appropriate for the grade level taught.
Use of instructional methods and strategies that are appropriate for students in the class and that support student learning.
Effective use of student assessments to evaluate, monitor, and improve student learning.
Reflective practice and life-long learning to improve teaching and student learning.
Leadership in education outside the classroom.

Finalists for the Commonwealth include:
Mathematics
Shannon Brickler, Dry Ridge Elementary School, Grant County Public Schools
Caryn Smith, Hunter Hills Elementary School, Laurel County Public Schools
Tonda Thompson, Albany Elementary School, Clinton County Public Schools.
Science
Natasha Craft, Pulaski Elementary School, Pulaski County Public Schools
Jennifer Sheffield, 212° Academy for Gifted and Talented, Warren County Public Schools
Karen Vanmetre, Grayson County Middle School, Grayson County Public Schools

The selection of Mrs. Brickler as a state finalist for this
most prestigious award comes as no surprise to her colleagues, nor school and
district administration.“Mrs. Bricker has a long-standing reputation
for being a leader in developing instruction in both Dry Ridge Elementary and
the district at large,” states Jennifer Wright, Assistant Superintendent for
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.Likewise, parents and students typically use the word, “Awesome!” to
describe her classroom instruction.Recently,
Mrs. Brickler left the classroom at Dry Ridge Elementary to embrace a new role
as Curriculum Specialist at Sherman Elementary – a position which will allow
her to share her passion and skills with other teachers.

Mrs. Brickler’s application will now be evaluated by a
national selection committee convened by the National Science Foundation (NSF).The committee is composed of prominent
mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science educators, district level
personnel, and classroom teachers who review the applications of the state
finalists and recommend to the NSF up to two finalists in mathematics or
science from each state or jurisdiction.PAEMST national winners are announced and honored during the year that
follows their selection as state finalists.

National winners will receive a certificate signed by the
President of the United States and a $10,000 award from the National Science
Foundation.Awardees and their guests will
travel to Washington, D.C., and participate in various events, including an
award ceremony, celebratory receptions, professional development programs, and
discussions with policy-makers on how to improve mathematics and science
education.The growing network of
award-winning teachers serves as a vital resource for improving science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics education and keeping America globally
competitive.

Grant County Schools is deeply honored by the selection of
Mrs. Brickler who has always represented her school, district, and her
profession with excellence.


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Note:  Mrs. Brickler was also recently featured in "Kentucky Teacher", an online teacher magazine published by the Kentucky Department of Education.  (http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/leadership/guest-columns/2016/08/teacher-leadership-from-the-students-perspective/)