Sarah DiMaria

Austin, TX | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I’m motivated by the belief that all students deserve access to rigorous, relevant STEM learning that builds on their strengths and fosters belonging. I design project-based experiences that connect content to students’ lives and communities, while also supporting teachers to lead with equity and innovation. STEM classrooms should be places where students don’t just learn about the world—they learn how to change it.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

One of my most transformative moments was teaching an all-female AP Calculus class. One day, I was brought to tears watching them collaborate—confident, joyful, and deeply engaged. I realized they experienced what I never had at their age: a rigorous STEM space grounded in belonging. That experience affirmed my belief, when students feel seen and supported, they take intellectual risks and grow as learners and leaders. They went on to pursue many paths, later sharing how they sought or created spaces that echoed the connection and confidence they found in our classroom. It reminded me that excellence in STEM isn’t just about content—it’s about cultivating learning environments where students feel empowered to show up fully and thrive.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a Presidential Awardee, I aim to amplify teacher voice, advocate for equity in STEM education, and promote increased access to rigorous, community-connected, inclusive STEM experiences. I aim to help reimagine STEM classrooms as places where all students feel a sense of belonging, see themselves as capable problem-solvers, and engage with real-world challenges that connect learning to their communities and futures.

Biography

Sarah DiMaria has taught mathematics at Cedars International Next Generation High School since 2016. She has also serves as the campus's Professional Development (PD) Coordinator and Instructional Coach. Previously, she taught for two years at Manor New Tech High School and one year at Holland New Technology High School. As PD Coordinator and Instructional Coach, Sarah engages teachers in coaching cycles, book study, and data rounds to strengthen their project-based learning (PBL) skills. In the classroom, Sarah is currently teaching 12th-grade Advanced Placement Calculus. Sarah incorporates cross-curricular experiences in her classes through PBL. Notable projects include creating school blueprints with a graphic design class to present to the school board and designing rollercoasters with a science class. Sarah also attends to the socio-emotional side of the learner, focusing on mindfulness and belonging to break down anxieties. Sarah has engaged in educational research at the University of Texas and Michigan State University. In 2019, she served on a panel for the NAEP Mathematics Framework Update. Sarah was named T-STEM Teacher of the Year at her campus in 2016 and Outstanding Texas Educator by the Texas Academy of Science in 2022. She has spoken at national conferences on PBL and pedagogy and has developed and implemented teacher training in PBL in the U.S., China, and Australia as a part of ARiE's Think Global Academies Team. Sarah grows professionally as a member of the Knowles Teacher Initiative, Teach Plus Texas, and Stanford’s Hollyhock Program. Sarah has a B.S. in mathematics, a teaching certificate in secondary mathematics and science education, and an M.A. in teaching and curriculum from Michigan State University.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.