TDOE Announces Four Presidential Teaching Award State Finalists

Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 02:30pm

National Awards Recognize Top STEM Educators Across Country

Nashville, TN—Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced four state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST award is the nation’s highest honor for U.S. K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers. The awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. 

Awardees are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning, along with their ability to help students make progress in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the awards program is to showcase the highest standards of STEM teaching. 

“I am thrilled that Tennessee has four finalists in the nation’s highest award for STEM educators," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "I applaud these educators for their commitment to ensuring all of their students have a strong foundation in math and science and are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The 2025-26 Tennessee state finalists are: 

  • Allison Wright, Science, Freedom Middle School, Franklin Special School District 
  • Amy Hixon, Science, Lincoln Heights Middle School, Hamblen County Schools  
  • Candace Terry, Mathematics, Tullahoma High School, Tullahoma City Schools   
  • Jessica Dobrin, Science, McCallie School 

These state finalists represent the most outstanding STEM teachers Tennessee has to offer and serve as both a model and an inspiration to students and fellow teachers.  

Each of the state finalists will move on to national selection, where a committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district-level personnel, and classroom teachers will identify up to two teachers—one in mathematics and one in science—from each state. Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from NSF, a Presidential certificate, and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state and national STEM teaching. 

The awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. For more information about the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, or to make a nomination for an outstanding STEM educator, please visit the PAEMST website.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.

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