Sand Creek teacher James Brown (back row with arrow pointing to him) visits with President Obama as he receives his Teaching Award for Excellence at the White House.

Posted december 29, 2009

Sand Creek Teacher Brown Earns Presidential Honors

Sand Creek Middle School teacher, James Brown, visited the White House in January and received his President's Award for Excellence from President Obama.

Brown was one of more than 100 science, math, and engineering teachers and mentors named recipients of the award back in July. He is in Washington, D.C., in January for the presentation ceremony.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, is awarded each year to individuals or organizations, recognizes the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering and who belong to minorities that are underrepresented in those fields. By offering their time, encouragement and expertise to these students, mentors help ensure that the next generation of scientists and engineers will better reflect the diversity of the United States.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates, going either to science and math teachers in grades K through 6 (as it is this year) or to those teaching in grades 7 through 12.

Winners of the Presidential Teaching Award receive $10,000 awards from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a White House awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

“There is no higher calling than furthering the educational advancement of our nation’s young people and encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders,” President Obama said. “These awards represent a heartfelt salute of appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others and in doing so have helped us all.”