A third-grade teacher at Van Gorder Elementary School in Sparks is one of two state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Sarah Roggensack has been teaching for 22 years and has been with the Washoe County School District for 19 years.
She has worked as an elementary school teacher, a district implementation specialist, and a K-8 elementary mathematics teacher.
The PAEMST is the highest award that a K-12 STEM teacher can receive in the United States.Â
Up to 110 teachers are recognized each year.
Awardees typically receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
"She ensures that her students do the 'heavy lifting' during lessons, meaning they are actively involved in making sense of mathematical concepts rather than passively receiving information," said Van Gorder Elementary School Principal Sean Whisler. "This approach helps students build strong mathematical skills and deep understanding."
