Amarillo High teacher earns highest national recognition for math and science teachers

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — An Amarillo Independent School District educator is one of only two teachers in the state of Texas awarded the nation’s highest recognition for mathematics and science teachers, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Kay Fincher, a physics teacher at Amarillo High School, represents the district as the recipient in science teaching. She was a finalist for the same award in 2017.

The PAEMST award recognizes kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics and science teachers who have shown distinction in their classrooms and a dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, according to a White House press release.

“Amarillo ISD is proud to again be the home school district of a nationally recognized teacher. STEM education is a particularly important focus for our District. We’re proud of Kay and the level of skill and expertise she brings to the classroom and her students,” said Superintendent Doug Loomis.

Teachers are selected from schools in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States territories, which includes American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.

A state panel of education researchers, district-level personnel, and classroom teachers review applications and select the finalists for the National Science Foundation to consider for national award status.

In addition to receiving the PAEMST award, Fincher was also named 2020 Outstanding Texas Educator by the Texas Academy of Science (TAS). The TAS board of directors selects for this award from candidates for the PAEMST.

PAEMST winners are awarded $10,000 from the National Science Foundation, a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.