The PAEMST award is an honor that has already connected me with a network of exceptional teachers around our state who are willing to share ideas and collaborate, inspiring my continued growth. I look forward to connecting with STEM teachers nationally as well. It has validated my efforts as I prepare the next generation of scientists and problem solvers to make the world a better place. Through it, I have also gained more confidence in my methods and a rejuvenated sense of purpose and passion.

Aimee Kay Thermopolis, WY | 7-12, Science, 2019

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Aimee Kay has been an educator for the past 25 years. During that time, she has taught sixth grade science, language arts, and social studies, served as the district’s technology facilitator, and the high school dropout prevention/court liaison coordinator for at-risk students. The past eight years she has been the seventh and eighth grade science teacher at Thermopolis Middle School. She has been an integral part of the middle school program that has been nationally recognized as a model professional learning community and two-time runner up for the DuFour Award. In 2018, she was named the district’s Teacher of the Year, and in 2019 was named the Wyoming State Junior High Coach of the Year for her work with the middle school volleyball program. Aimee is currently involved in Wyoming’s first cohort of the new level-up program which allows for networking and collaboration with Wyoming's elite teachers and administrators, developing and enhancing leadership skills to affect positive change in our state and community. Aimee is an advocate within her collaborative science team, encouraging the incorporation of inquiry lessons that allow students more practice in K–12 science literacy skills. In her classroom, students have the opportunity to plan, follow, and revise scientific investigations, giving them hands-on practice with real-world science skills. Aimee has been a certified Emergency Medical Technician for the past 18 years which gives her insights and community connections that she has used in her life science classroom to bring in ideas for lessons and guest speakers from the local hospital. Aimee earned her B.A. in education and M.S. in natural science from the University of Wyoming and received National Board Certification in 2019.

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