South Barber elementary teachers Kaynette Scheck, fourth grade, and Krista Pollock, fifth/sixth grade, are USD255's nominees for the Presidential Award nominations in the area of mathematics.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1983, this program authorizes the president to bestow up to 108 awards each year. The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Kaynette Scheck

In education 16 years, this is Scheck's fifth year to teach at South Barber Elementary. In her elementary career, she's taught every grade except kindergarten. At South Barber she teaches fourth grade and additionally became assistant principal this school year.

At the elementary she is the instructional academic coach for math. For her students Scheck said she "works to make sure they understand place value – problem solving and critical thinking."

Scheck said she has "a unique teaching style." With students she talks, shares ideas, explains why an operation works, etc. Her class earns team points. The Top Super Team wins special privileges such as sitting on a comfy cushion and other fun incentives. "I bring spice to it and make it fun."

Krista Pollock

Pollock said, "Math is my favorite subject to teach. I've taught 23 years and taught mathematics for 22 years.

"I was fortunate to have these math teachers at South Barber – Janet Elwood (elementary), Mary Rose (junior high), Steve Roberts (high school)."

Pollock said when she teaches math "it's contagious – it makes students love math because I love it. I try to bring that passion to the classroom.

"I think your attitude and mindset makes a huge difference," she said. "It's 50 percent of the battle. It's so important for kids to know their basic math skills, basic facts – and have good numbers sense. This starts at a very young age. I truly believe all kids can learn." Listing desire and determination to do it, Pollock said, "They have to believe they can."

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics

Recipients of the award receive the following:

• A certificate signed by the President of the United States.

• A paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.

• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

• An opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation

Awards are given to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).