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Indian River teacher to receive Presidential Award

July 20, 2018

Indian River School District teacher Christa Ferdig has been selected to receive the 2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Ferdig was previously a fifth-grade teacher at Long Neck Elementary, and she is currently a math and science teacher at Georgetown Middle School.

The PAEMST program, administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. It is the nation's highest honor for teachers of math and science.

“It is an incredible honor to be a recipient of the Presidential Award,” Ferdig said. “It is validation of the tremendous effort teachers put forth daily to ignite a passion for learning in their students. I will continue to search for the best methods of developing students' love for mathematics. I am grateful for the support of administration, talented colleagues, family and friends. I look forward to challenging my students to expand their understandings for years to come.”

Ferdig incorporates mathematical performance standards into every lesson. She challenges students to embrace a growth mindset and to be open to the excitement that comes from learning. Students are encouraged to make and defend mathematical arguments, participate in discourse, use technology and creatively solve real-world problems involving mathematics.

She is a district lead mathematics teacher and a member of the instructional leadership team. She develops and implements professional learning opportunities for other teachers in the district. She is also a member of the district’s implementation cadre, where she works collaboratively with district and school curriculum specialists to support staff in implementing best teaching practices.

PAEMST awardees receive a citation signed by President Trump and a $10,000 award from NSF. Awardees will also travel to Washington, D.C., for a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.

 

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