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Lisa McPherson

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education selected Lisa McPherson of Cold Water Elementary in the Hazelwood School District as one of three state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program. The honor recognizes kindergarten-sixth grade teachers of science in Missouri.

McPherson teaches fifth grade and  has worked for the district for 16 years at Cold Water.

“I have always been the science teacher,” said McPherson. “I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s the first time I’ve been nominated for an award of this caliber,” she continued.

The nomination was submitted by Carrie Launius, district science coordinator.

The application process began in fall 2009 and ended in May 2010. Part of the application included videotaping her class, writing essays, getting references, providing samples of lessons plans and scoring guides, and sharing her thoughts on teaching science.

“It required a lot of reflection,” said McPherson.

Although she did not study science in college, she said she has always had an interest in explaining how things work.

“I enjoy watching the kids ask questions and setting up tests to find an answer to the question. It’s their inquiry process,” she said.

As a state finalist, McPherson is automatically a candidate for the state Presidential award. Her application will be judged at the national level. The selection process for national winners involves the National Science Foundation.

The teacher selected as the state Presidential Awardee is officially notified by the White House. Each state winner receives $10,000 and an all-expense paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. and will participate in a host of recognition events.

McPherson won’t hear anything about the state winners until spring 2011.

“Until then, I’ll continue to teach science and put it out of my head and focus on my students,” she said.

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