Stith receives presidential award

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Newcastle High School science instructor Jim Stith recently received the “highest recognition that K-12 mathematics, science or computer science teachers can receive in the United States,” according to a press release from the Wyoming Department of Education.
Stith, along with three other Wyoming teachers, were recently recognized for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. President Donald Trump announced the 2017-18 winners last week. 
Stith, who has been an educator at Newcastle High School since 2011, teaches 10th grade environmental science, 11th and 12th grade anatomy and physiology and 11th and 12th grade science research and design. He also coaches the school’s speech and debate team. 
“It is a great honor to be considered for this award. It is an honor not only for myself but also for the coworkers, mentors and administrators who gave me the opportunity to advance my teaching abilities,” Stith said. “I hope that the presidential award will serve as a catalyst for collaboration between myself and other educators who are excited to advance STEM education. My love for science and knowledge was inspired by a high school science teacher, and I strive to pass that passion on to my students.” 
According to Stith’s biography, his passion is creating opportunities for students to experience science in a variety of ways, especially via hands-on learning. He has been instrumental in developing an outdoor summer education program teaching students ecology and geology in a place-based setting. 
“James has presented at state, regional and national conferences for mathematics and science education. He is working with the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium to build a traveling Arduino education trunk as well as a classroom set to give to a Wyoming teacher through a mini-grant opportunity,” his biography says. 
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said that all four Wyoming teachers who received the award are an “inspiration to students and colleagues” and she called them true leaders. She also said that she is proud of their dedication to math and science education and their commitment to students in the state. 
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation, according to the release, facilitate nominations for this award.
Distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national level review the applications. Teachers are chosen for the award based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering and math education. 
“Enacted by Congress in 1983, the program authorizes the President to award 108 math and science teachers each year in recognition of their contribution to excellent teaching and learning,” the release says. 
Winners are selected from applicants out of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, and schools in four United States territories. Each recipient receives a certificate signed by the president, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend recognition events and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.