PETAL, Miss. (WDAM) – Sarah Broadbent, a fifth-grade teacher at Upper Petal Elementary School, has been feeling a little grim about her profession lately.
Broadbent was recently one of six state finalists for the President's Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education.
This award is considered the nation's highest honor for STEM teachers.
Administrators said Broadbent's knowledge of mathematics and the needs of her students led to her nomination.
“She has a great understanding of not only the content of the class, but also how students learn math,” said Emily Branch, Principal of Upper Petal Elementary School. “She appeals to different learning styles, finds different ways in which students learn, and is able to truly connect with her students.”
Congress created the PAEMST Award in 1983 to honor teachers like Broadbent who promote student success both inside and outside of the classroom.
If selected, Broadbent will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, recognition at the White House, and a signed certificate from the president.
“I've been teaching for 12 years,” Broadbent said. “I never expected to win such an award, so just being a finalist is a real honor.”
But Broadbent said she doesn't teach for recognition, but to give her students the opportunity to make learning an enjoyable experience.
“We have a lot of fun along the way,” Broadbent said. “We love playing games in the classroom through review and learning, so we try to improve children's math skills and make things fun.”
Branch said even if Broadbent doesn't win, she will be an inspiration to the faculty.
“We just want to recognize teachers because they work so hard and do a good job every day,” Branch said. “So everything is a team approach, so one person’s rating is everyone’s rating.”
Ms Broadbent said she would find out whether she won the award in 2025.
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