Hewlett-Woodmere district teacher named state finalist

Jeanine Doxsee, a teacher at the Franklin Early Childhood Center in Hewlett-Woodmere School District, was named one of the two finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching at the elementary school level, grades kindergarten through sixth. The Hauppauge resident was named in the science category.

The Presidential Awards are one of the highest honors in the nation for teachers of mathematics and science. The award recognizes outstanding teaching and leadership in science and mathematics education.

“Teaching is a difficult job, especially when teaching complex subjects like mathematics and science,” New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia stated in a news release. “The teachers being recognized as PAEMST awardees and finalists have become masters of their craft. Our students are lucky to have these teachers and the countless others who do an outstanding job every day in our classrooms.”

The sate finalists are chosen by a state selection committee made up of teachers, district personnel, representatives from higher education and past awardees. Each finalist demonstrated content knowledge, as well as an effective use of instructional methods and assessments to evaluate, monitor and improve student learning. The finalists also serve as leaders in education outside of the classroom.

“These teachers make mathematics and science content come alive in their classrooms,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa stated the same release. “They work hard every day to provide their students with a compelling and innovative learning experience. New York is fortunate to have such excellent educators and leaders in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects.”

This year, New York was able to recognize up to three mathematics finalists and three science finalists. The applications were then submitted to the Presidential Awards Review and Selection Committee, which chooses the final award winners from each state. The Presidential Awards were established by the White House in 1983 and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Every year, the U.S. president recognizes outstanding teachers in mathematics and science (including computer science) from across the nation.

—Jeffrey Bessen