CK Burns’ Pelletier and Trottier among Maine’s Finalists for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science

SACO – Third-grade teacher Danielle Pelletier and STEM teacher Holly Trottier of CK Burns School were among Maine’s State Finalists for the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) grades K-6.

Nominated for their outstanding teaching and leadership, Pelletier, a teacher in Saco for seven years, was recognized in the mathematics category and Trottier, a teacher in Saco for eight years, was recognized in the science category for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

“The Saco School Department is extremely fortunate to have Mrs. Pelletier and Ms. Trottier teaching our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray. “During the most challenging years in the history of public education, they have engaged students, made meaningful connections, and reignited their excitement for learning. On behalf of all our staff and families, we thank them for their hard work and recognize this prestigious honor.”

Coordinated by the Maine Department of Education, the PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of mathematics and science. Teachers across the country are nominated for either the mathematics category, which includes mathematics, technology, and computer science, or the science category, which includes science and engineering. Following the nomination, up to three state-level finalists in each award category are forwarded to a national selection committee composed of K–12 teachers, administrators, university professors, and STEM education researchers who will meet to select the PAEMST awardees at the national level. 

“What an honor it was to recognize these two amazing educators at CK Burns. The process of the nomination, application, and selection is time-consuming and corresponds well to their dedication towards high-quality education for our elementary students. To have two teachers in the same school recognized for this distinction is a testament to the education Saco students receive,” said CK Burns School Principal April Noble.

The White House announced last month that the two recipients of the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in Maine were Michele Flores of Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School and Cindy Soule of Gerald E. Talbot Community School in Portland. The two winners will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation, and join a cadre of award-winning teachers who can impact STEM education in our state and nationally. 

For more information about the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, please visit www.maine.gov/doe .