Presidential Awards

2016 PAEMST Awardees Announced!!

Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award kindergarten through 12^th grade mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers can receive from the U.S. government. The award alternates years between kindergarten through sixth grade and seventh-12^th grade teachers. This year, on the award’s 35^th anniversary, kindergarten through sixth grade teachers are being honored.

Nominees complete a rigorous application process that requires them to demonstrate their excellence in content knowledge and ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.

A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national levels assess the application before recommending nominees to the OSTP. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.

Lindsey Tellinghuisen Willow Lake, SD K-6, Mathematics, 2016

Lindsey Tellinghuisen has been an educator for 10 years, teaching all subjects of fourth grade at Willow Lake School for the past seven years. Previously, Lindsey taught fourth grade at Montrose Elementary.

Lindsey works to create a classroom of thinkers and problem solvers. Students in her classroom feel comfortable to make mistakes, talk about their thinking, appreciate others’ thinking, and make sense of the mathematical world around them. Positive growth mindset is a cornerstone of her mathematics instruction.

Lindsey has been involved in South Dakota Counts as a teacher leader, participated in the Oceti Sakowin Course Project and Master Teacher Academy, and served both as a mentor and mentee in the South Dakota Teacher to Teacher Support Network. Lindsey initiated a crazy 8’s afterschool mathematics club in her district and is a South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics member.

Lindsey earned a B.A. in elementary education, a minor in reading, and a K-12 technology education endorsement from Dakota State University.

Andrea Thedorff Black Hawk, SD K-6, Mathematics, 2016

Andrea Thedorff has taught mathematics in the elementary classroom for 11 years. She is currently teaching third grade at Black Hawk Elementary School for the Rapid City Area School Schools district, where she has taught for the past seven years.

Andrea creates a classroom culture that celebrates new and different learning. She uses engaging activities to encourage higher-level thinking. She understands the importance of building a fundamental understanding of mathematical concepts and strives to differentiate her lessons to meet the needs of her students.

Andrea has won a grant to integrate mathematics and technology using coding robots. She continues to find ways to make mathematics meaningful and relevant to her students’ lives. She has continued to serve on her district’s mathematics leadership team as well as her building leadership team. Andrea is a member of the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Andrea holds a B.S. in elementary education from the University of South Dakota. She received her master’s degree in differentiated instruction from Graceland University.

https://www.paemst.org/

https://recognition.paemst.org/awardees

https://recognition.paemst.org/view

SD Presidential Award Recipients 1983-2015

SD Presidential Award Recipients
1983-2015