Westlake mathematics teacher wins national Presidential award
Steve Roberts, a mathematics teacher at Westlake High School, was recently named one of 99 national winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for 2007 by the National Science Foundation. The award is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through grade 12 mathematics or science teacher can receive in the United States.
The award is administered on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Roberts was chosen as an award recipient from selected mathematics and science teachers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
As a national recipient, Roberts received a $10,000 grant to use over a three-year period. He also received an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C., April 29-May 3 to accept the award and participate in educational and celebratory events.
During his visit to Washington D.C., Roberts, along with the other award recipients, met with members of Congress and Administration and Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, A NASA astronaut mission specialist, to discuss the latest issues in mathematics and science teaching and to share expertise and viewpoints. The recipients also met with Vice President Dick Cheney for a group photo.
"We have had an amazing week," Roberts said. "We have been to the National Science Foundation, the State Department for dinner, the White House for a group picture with Cheney and the Capitol Hill Club. [We] even got into the Capitol Gallery and some were able to take pictures with our Senators and Congress members."
Roberts began his career with Charles County Public Schools as a mathematics teacher in 1997 at Westlake. He serves as chair of the mathematics department, serves on the school improvement team and is a member of the curriculum writing team for mathematics.
Each year, up to 108 awards are bestowed to recipients across the United States. The competition alternates each year between kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers and seventh through twelfth-grade teachers. National winners are chosen by a panel of distinguished scientists and mathematicians.
Westlake High School mathematics teacher Steven Roberts, pictured above, is one of 99 national recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for 2007. He was honored in an awards ceremony hosted by Dr. Arden Bement, director of the National Science Foundation, on Friday, May 2.
