It is a tremendous honor and privilege to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. I have promoted science throughout my career and am proud to have my life's work be recognized in this way. This honor extends to my colleagues who recognize how essential science in elementary school is. I look forward to continuing my work in science education by utilizing the opportunities that come with receiving the PAEMST award. I am inspired and grateful.
The official biography below was current at the time of the award.
Currently a looping teacher for third and fourth grade, Pamela Thompson has been teaching in the Maine School Administrative District 59 in Madison, ME, since 1982. She has taught third and fourth grade at several elementary schools. Ms. Thompson is credited with leading the district's success in obtaining and implementing two consecutive science grants from the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. She has served on the Leadership Design Team since its inception in 2004, spearheading the integration of formative assessment probes, new science literature, and science notebooks in each of the kindergarten through fifth grade science kits. She piloted the new strategies developed under the grants and shared her successes with the K-12 Science Design Team, which led to the creation of a professional development plan for the entire district science staff. Ms. Thompson encourages students to use the skills that she demonstrates in order to acquire the understanding they need. She uses formative assessment and inquiry-based activities. She is hailed for her enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to instill a love of learning in her students. An exceptional science teacher, Ms. Thompson constantly seeks methods to enrich her students' grasp of complex ideas. She is commended for deepening her own understanding of science, learning and applying the best instructions strategies available, listening intently to the needs of her students, sharing her awareness with colleagues, and leading the district in securing a strong foundation in science for all students. She is acknowledged for leading her grade-level team, her school, and the entire district in increasing student interest in science and improving student understanding. Ms. Thompson is active in such school-based activities as the Science Buddies Grade 1 and 3 and the After School Program, as well as in professional associations. She is currently a member of the Executive Board for the Maine Science Teachers Association. Ms. Thompson has an A.S. in criminal justice, a B.S. in elementary education, and a B.S. in rehabilitation from the University of Maine. She also has an M.S. in education from Saint Joseph's College of Maine.
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