Olympia math teacher selected as finalist for national teaching award
An Olympia School District math teacher has been named a finalist for a national teaching award.
Spencer Olmsted, a fourth- and fifth-grade math teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, has been selected as one of four Washington state teachers eligible for the 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
The Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction announced the finalists Wednesday in a news release. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal said he felt inspired by these teachers.
“I’m inspired by the way these educators create exciting learning opportunities that connect to the real world,” Reykdal said. “These outstanding educators turn complex concepts into tangible lessons that students can apply to their own lives and the myriad challenges that face our world.”
In a statement, Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Sean Shaughnessy said he is incredibly proud of Olmsted for his nomination as a state finalist.
“Thank you, Spencer, for always keeping the needs of students at the forefront of your work,” Shaughnessy said. “Roosevelt Elementary School and the Olympia School District are great places to work and learn because of dedicated teachers like you.”
Shaughnessy said Olmsted strives to meet the individual needs of students each day. His use of observational assessment allows him to flexibly respond to his students and regularly give immediate feedback, he added.
Olmsted is the only Washington math teacher to be recognized as a finalist. The other three are science teachers.
Veronique Paquette, a science teacher at Kenroy Elementary in the Eastmont School District in Douglas County.
Shameem Sherwin, a STEM and social studies teacher at Evergreen Elementary in the Sedro-Woolley School District.
Kaia Tomokiyo, a kindergarten science teacher at Sartori Elementary in the Renton School District.
Pass the Mic posted an interview on Medium with Olmsted on May 11, detailing his perspective on teaching, his students and the pandemic.
A statewide selection committee, which includes content area experts and award-winning teachers, selected the finalists to submit to the national PAEMST committee, according to the release.
The national committee will select national awardees based on content mastery, use of effective instructional methods, effective use of assessments, reflective practice and life-long learning and educational leadership.
National awardees are expected to be announced in the fall, according to the OSPI news release. Those selected will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of events and receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States.
They also will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
No matter the outcome, the four Washington state finalists will be recognized by regional and state math and science associations and at state events.
The U.S. Congress established the PAEMST program in 1983 to recognize “exemplary teaching” in STEM fields. Since then, the release says, 81 Washington teachers have earned the award.
Up to 108 educators have been recognized each year by the President, the release says.
