Ashland M.Ed. alumna receives highest U.S. recognition for science and mathematics educators

ASHLAND, Ohio – Stephanie Nowak, who completed a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University in 1997, is a recent recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching from the U.S. government. Nowak was one of 102 teachers who were recognized this year.

Nowak has been an educator for 28 years, currently serving as a fourth-grade teacher at Fairfax Elementary School within Mentor Public Schools in Mentor, Ohio. She has worked with the Ohio Department of Education as a leading member for both the Science Model Curriculum Development team and the Science Regional Leader Network.

The PAEMST awardees receive a certificate signed by President Joe Biden and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. They were also recognized virtually this year.

“It is an honor to be among such an extraordinary group of teachers dedicated to providing meaningful learning experiences for their students,” stated Nowak. “Accomplishing this confirms the importance of integrating science across content areas so students understand that everything is connected and that we can make a difference. This award recognizes my deep commitment to providing quality, hands-on, inquiry-based science education for all my students. I feel blessed to receive this prestigious award.”

Nowak, who was honored with the Lubrizol Science Teacher of the Year in 2014 and the Excellence in Teaching from Mentor Schools in 2008, has presented on a variety of topics at national- and state-level conferences. Recently, in response to educating during the pandemic, she presented a webinar, “The Tale of Two Teachers,” for the Ohio Department of Education. The presentation showcased her creation of a digital notebook to organize, engage, differentiate and assess students using a specific learning platform.

In addition to her master’s degree from Ashland, Nowak holds a bachelor’s in childhood education from Bowling Green State University.

“I have a passion for curriculum, so (it) was a natural progression for me,” Nowak said of her AU degree. “I like when things are connected and finding connections for kids helps engage learners. I feel I gained a solid foundation in the area of curriculum and instruction.”

Established in 1983, the PAEMST award criteria alternates years between kindergarten through sixth grade and seventh- through 12th-grade teachers. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that allows them to demonstrate deep content knowledge and their 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 the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.