Stephanie Gleeson, a teacher in Moultonborough, has received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
CONCORD, NH – A Lakes Region teacher is the recipient of a prestigious math and science award from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Stephanie Gleeson of the Moultonborough Central School in Moultonborough has been selected to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation’s highest honor given to teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) including computer science. Gleeson, who had her nomination submitted for the award by the New Hampshire Department of Education for consideration in late 2016, was recognized for her contributions to the teaching and learning of mathematics.
Gleeson teaches three sections of third grade math and embraces the growth mindset for learning the subject in her classes. Through explicit instruction about the benefits of mistakes, students willingly take risks, try various strategies, and critique their own thinking and the thinking of others. When students learn from misconceptions, they yell out in chorus, “Light bulb!” celebrating their learning. To help students better understand the concept of what fractions represent, Gleeson related their understanding to real world connections through active discovery. Gleeson manipulated fractions, asked questions, and collaboratively explored fractions to be able to identify and defend their value.
“Being honored with the Presidential Award is a true testament to myself and my students that anything is possible through hard work and a positive mindset,” she noted in a statement. “This award is not about being the best teacher with the most knowledge but being the teacher who finds a way to convey knowledge in an inspiring and engaging way that commits all students to becoming life-long learners. It is about opening doors and changing mindsets and letting the next generation know that they can make a difference.”
Gleeson has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and K-8 Elementary Education from Keene State College. She has taught first through fifth grade for 13 years and served on the district’s math and science curriculum committee.
Gleeson will be invited to Washington, D.C., to receive a citation from President Donald Trump and a $10,000 award from the NSF, which administers the award on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
For information about the program, visit the NH DOE website at https://www.education.nh.gov/recognition/math_science.htm.