SAPULPA, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2019 — Sapulpa Public Schools STEM Coordinator Megan Cannon has won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
The PAEMST is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers of mathematics and science.
“It’s definitely very humbling and it’s a huge honor,” said Cannon. “To be chosen at the national level is so exciting. It’s not just an honor for me but it’s also an honor for my students and for Sapulpa.”
Cannon submitted her application while she taught science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at Sapulpa Middle School in 2017.
“I have a passion for science,” said Mrs. Cannon in September after she accepted the district’s STEM Coordinator position. “I want all kids in Sapulpa to be curious about the world, I want them to ask questions about what’s going on around them and want to find out more about it.”
A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.
Cannon is one of 211 teachers across the U.S. and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands to receive the award. She is the only one of the four in Oklahoma to be from the east side of the state.
The teachers will be honored during a ceremony at the White House on Friday, Oct. 18.
Cannon recently returned to Sapulpa after spending two years at the Oklahoma State Department of Education where she was Director of Science and Engineering Education.
White House press release: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-announces-presidential-excellence-awards-science-mathematics-engineering/
