Alumna Megan Smith received the highest award given by the U.S. Government to K-12 math and science teachers – the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Smith was selected for the award based on her distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving math education.
She teaches fifth grade at Lincoln Fundamental Elementary School, a magnet school in the Corona-Norco Unified School District. The district’s Math Team nominated Smith for the shifts she has demonstrated in teaching mathematics, her commitment to excellent and rigorous instructional practices, and her role in supporting other teachers in the district.
"Megan is an extremely reflective life-long learner," said proud Principal Brian Leedy. "She is not afraid to try new things and is always willing to 'push the envelope' in order to meet the needs of her students. Megan is constantly working on new ideas and attends trainings, conferences, and other professional development opportunities on her own time so that she is not missing instructional time with her students. She is seen as a leader by not only her peers, but by district curriculum personnel as well."
A double Anteater, Smith graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior and a minor in Educational Studies before obtaining her master’s in teaching degree.
“I want to thank my incredible mentors for their patience and encouragement, as well as UCI, particularly the School of Education, for a strong foundation at the start of my teaching career,” Smith said. “Many of the practices and resources I used during my credential and master’s programs, I still rely on today!”
Smith said she struggled with mathematics as a young student, so she is now exceptionally passionate about making it accessible and anxiety-free for all students. Her classroom environment is inviting and innovative, using flexible seating options that encourage real-world, task-based collaborative investigations. Smith has shared her teaching practices with her district colleagues as a professional development co-presenter, as well as assisting as a curriculum trainer. She has created support materials and assessments that are used districtwide and has served on district committees for curriculum adoption.
“Receiving this award is empowering – it validates the power of students as problem solvers,” Smith said. “By providing a variety of tools and opportunities, success in mathematics can be accessible to all.”
Smith was honored at the White House and spent the week of Oct. 14 in Washington, D.C. as a guest of the National Science Foundation, participating in awards events and professional development opportunities.
“This award belongs to my students, who weren’t afraid to dive right in with me,” she said. “This also belongs to my colleagues, with gratitude for their collaboration. And, to my family, for their love and excitement.”
Established in 1983, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Teaching is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to K-12 grade teachers of mathematics and science, including computer science. Applicants for the award are assessed by a panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels. Their nominees are recommended to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and math education.
This story first appeared on UCI School of Education's website.