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Lisa McPherson has been chosen as one of six state-level finalists for the 2012 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). She teaches fifth grade at Cold Water Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District.

“I was gratified because the application process involved a lot of people, including my principal, Christa Warner, and my curriculum facilitator, Carrie Launius, who were both very supportive,” said McPherson. “Also supportive were the people who provided letters of recommendation and the students who participated in the demonstration lesson that was videotaped as part of the presentation. They were all so generous to me and I am glad their efforts were recognized.”

“Lisa is an outstanding science teacher who continuously seeks outside opportunities to grow in the profession and help every student develop a love for science,” said Warner.

“Lisa goes above and beyond to ensure all students in her class are prepared for 21st century science skills,” said Launius. The PAEMST are awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the nation. Each year, the award alternates between kindergarten through sixth grade teachers and those teaching seventh through 12th grades. PAEMST awardees have demonstrated they spend more time in professional development, usually add fresh approaches to their teaching methods and are more likely to use technology in their classrooms.

“Professionally, it’s great to know that the methods we use in HSD are recognized,” said McPherson. “I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching and this experience has been a great opportunity to give in-depth consideration to my whole approach.”

McPherson, who has taught for 18 years at Cold Water, described her educational philosophy. “It’s all about the students, listening to what they say and what they don’t say. It’s about finding the way that you can get to each individual student in the way that works for him or her.”

In Missouri, there are three finalists in the science category and three finalists in the mathematics category. Next, a national committee that reports to the National Science Foundation (NSF) will choose a Presidential Awardee for math and one for science from all state-level finalists. The White House will notify teachers selected as state Presidential Awardees.