(ABC 6 News) – An Albert Lea Elementary School teacher is one of six educators nominated as a finalist for the Minnesota Department of Education's President's Award.
One finalist, Mark Nechanicki, is a fourth grade teacher at Lakeview Elementary School. Mr. Nechanicki has been recognized for his work in mathematics education.
Mr. Nechanicki has been with the Albert Lea Public School District for almost 25 years and was nominated for the district's “Teacher of the Year.”
“I am proud to announce the Minnesota finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science,” said MDE Commissioner Willie Jett. “These teachers demonstrate expertise and dedication, and they model the work teachers do to engage students in learning their STEM topics.”
According to MDE, the President's Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the nation's highest honor given to K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teachers in the United States.
The award is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Minnesota's six 2024 finalists will be recognized informally at the Minnesota State Fair's STEM Day and formally recognized at the Minnesota Mathematics Teachers Council meeting and the State Science Teachers Association meeting.
Winners will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they will attend various events and participate in professional development opportunities, MDE said. They will also receive her $10,000 cash award and presidential certificate from NSF, joining a group of award-winning teachers who will be able to impact her STEM education in Minnesota and across the nation.
