National STEM teacher recognition awarded to Karla West (CGIS)

On October 15, 2019, 215 STEM teachers were announced as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Up to 108 teachers are recognized each year.

Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States; a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities; and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

Awardees also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout the nation. Since 1983, more than 5,000 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the Nation’s teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement.

Karla West has been an educator for over 30 years. She has been teaching fifth grade science and reading at Coulter Grove Intermediate School for four years. Previously, she taught at Concord Christian School for four years and in Knox County Schools for 12 years. In addition, she taught at schools in Georgia and Texas.

Karla has served as a Tennessee summer science training facilitator for numerous years, has presented at the Tennessee State Science Teacher Conference twice, has taught and directed Camp Invention for 10 years, and most recently has facilitated an afterschool science club for fifth grade students. She has been awarded multiple science grants including a total of $32,000 for technology from Oak Ridge Associated Universities and $2,000 from the Maryville City Schools Foundation for Crazy Traits (manipulatives used to teach genetics.)

Karla earned her B.S. in elementary education from Carson-Newman University where she became certified to teach first through eighth grade. She earned a M.S. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Tennessee and her Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.

Ms. West noted how humbling it has been to receive this award and added these comments:  “When I began teaching elementary school, I would have said that science was my greatest weakness. With mentors, colleagues, and administrators who encouraged, supported, and had faith in me, I evolved, and science became my area of strength. I have always felt that since it was a subject where I struggled, it was easier for me to see the state standards through the eyes of my students, allowing me to make science relevant and clear.”

In addition to Karla, PAEMST also recognized Murfreesboro educator Heather Knox.  Since 1983 when these honors were first awarded, Ms. West is the first recipient from Maryville City Schools.  More information about this program and to review highlights of other recipients, visit www.paemst.org .