Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching – DE Awardees Recognized

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching (STEM) from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Dept. of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Norther Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).

In October of 2019, the White House announced the PAEMST recipients for 2017 and 2018. In August of 2020, the White House announced the PAEMST recipients for 2019. Since the possibilities for an in-person recognition event remained uncertain, the Delaware Department of Education recognized each of the six PAEMST Awardees from 2017-2019 in small ceremonies held at their schools or homes. 

Each recipient of the award receives a certificate signed by the President, a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.

The following finalist profiles provide accurate information about each Delaware awardee at the time of receiving the award. 

2017 PAEMST Awardee (7-12 Science): Joshua Gates

At the time of application, Mr. Joshua Gates was teaching at The Tatnall School. Joshua now works in the private sector. For profile, click here. (https://www.paemst.org/finalist_profile/4889)

2017 PAEMST Awardee (7-12 Mathematics): Kathleen Olenderski

Ms. Kathleen Olenderski teaches in the Appoquinimink School District at Alfred G Waters MS. For profile, click here. (https://www.paemst.org/finalist_profile/4826)

2018 PAEMST Awardee (K-6 Science): Danielle Rash

Ms. Danielle Rash teaches in the Appoquinimink School District at Olive B. Loss ES. For profile, click here. (https://www.paemst.org/finalist_profile/4934)

2018 PAEMST Awardee (K-6 Mathematics): Jennah Truitt

Ms. Jennah Truitt teaches in the Indian River School District at Lord Baltimore ES. For profile, click here. (https://www.paemst.org/finalist_profile/5030)

2019 PAEMST Awardee (7-12 Science): Jordan Estock

Dr. Jordan Estock teaches in the Brandywine School District at Concord HS. He teaches design and engineering and is Delaware’s first CTE (engineering) teacher to receive the PAEMST. For profile, click here. (https://www.paemst.org/finalist_profile/5073)

2019 PAEMST Awardee (7-12 Mathematics): Eileen Voltz

Dr. Eileen Voltz teaches at the Charter School of Wilmington. For profile, click here. (https://www.paemst.org/finalist_profile/5115)

The 2020 cycle seeks to recognize teachers in 7-12 grades who teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science. They must have at least five years full-time employment as a K-12 teacher.

For more information, visit www.paemst.org or contact the Delaware PAEMST State Coordinators below:

Science: 

Mathematics