Two Northeast Wisconsin teachers have been named finalists for a national award. Debra Heitman, a fifth grade teacher at Coleman Elementary School in the Coleman School District, is a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching. Sheila Kohl, a fifth-sixth grade STEM teacher at West De Pere Intermediate School in the West De Pere School District, is a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching.
This award is considered the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government for math and science teachers. In addition to Heitman and Kohl, four other Wisconsin teachers were named as finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. These teachers represent various districts across the state.
Presented annually since 1983, the award recognizes K-12 teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science. State committees select the finalists based on criteria required by the national PAEMST program. The applications from Wisconsin’s finalists will be judged at the national level by a committee organized by the National Science Foundation on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
One awardee in mathematics and one awardee in science will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, as well as professional development opportunities. These teachers will also be honored at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C.