Being named a Presidential Awardee is that “WOW” moment as a professional that validates my passion and love for making science come to life for my students. It is a beautiful and deep-felt recognition of all the late nights, early mornings, field trip planning, hands-on lab prep, and out of the ordinary STEAM projects I created over my 16 years teaching. I believe this award also provides me an opportunity to be a voice and representative for South Carolina science teachers on a national level.

Nicole Yemothy Easley, SC | 7-12, Science, 2021

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

Nicole Yemothy taught middle school science, mathematics, technology, and yearbook publication for the 18 years. She retired in 2023. Nicole served as a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) STEM teacher at Richard H. Gettys Middle School for seven years, where she organized and led collaborative activities with other STEM and PLTW teachers in her district as the Secondary Level STEM Lead. She also served as the advisor of both Gettys' STEM Club and Health Occupations Students of America Chapter. Nicole worked internationally in Panama for five years as the Technology Coordinator at the International School of Panama and Magen David Academy. She started her teaching career at Mill Creek Middle School, where she taught grade-level mathematics and science, and yearbook for her first five years. To enrich her science teacher spirit, Nicole participated in a 21-day professional development program with the Morpho Institute and Explorama, where she was immersed in the Amazon Rainforest and explored the Machu Picchu region. Nicole was a Department of Defense Albert Einstein Fellow for the 2022-2023 school year. Nicole sits on the South Carolina Million Women Mentors Board of Directors. As a two-time finalist for the SC STEM Teacher of the Year, she also serves on the SC STEM Leadership Coalition. During the summer, she trains teachers nationwide as a PLTW Master Teacher. Nicole earned a B.S. in mathematics and science from Indiana University. She has an M.S. in educational technology integration and Ed.D. in teacher leadership, both from Walden University. Nicole is currently enrolled in Clemson University’s Teacher Learning Progression focused on STEAM endorsement. She is a certified, highly-qualified middle school mathematics and science teacher and has four PLTW STEM certifications.

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