NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: January 15, 2025
Six Mississippi teachers receive national Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
JACKSON, Miss. – This week, six Mississippi educators were among 336 teachers nationwide who were named recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
The Mississippi teachers are:
- Jacqueline Lewis, a 2021 PAEMST state-level finalist, teaches AP computer science, geometry and robotics at Enterprise High School in Enterprise School District.
- Kenneth Peagler, a 2021 PAEMST state-level finalist, teaches physics, statistics, and physical science at Brandon High School in the Rankin County School District.
- Dr. Jana Chao, a 2022 PAEMST state-level finalist, played an integral role in the installation of Clinton Public School District’s Computer Science program in all elementary grades.
- Jennifer Hite, a 2022 PAEMST state-level finalist, a fifth-grade science teacher at Pearl Upper Elementary School in the Pearl Public School District.
- Leah Peavey, a 2023 PAEMST state-level finalist, teaches science at Brookhaven Technical Center in the Brookhaven School District.
- Judith Terry, a 2023 PAEMST state-level finalist, teaches math at Center Hill High School in the DeSoto County School District.
Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Award recipients over the years represent schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).
Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.
A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess nominations before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.
These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators.
Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.
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Media Contact:
Jean Cook, APR
Chief of Communication
601-359-3515
jcook@mdek12.org
Shanderia Minor
Public Information Officer
601-359-3515
sminor@mdek12.org
