By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

A MATHEMATICS teacher at San Antonio Elementary School, Dora Miura, has been named state finalist in the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for teachers in these fields.
Established by Congress in 1983, and administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation, the program identifies outstanding mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions.
Yesterday, Miura was recognized by the Board of Education and the Public School System for the outstanding teaching she has provided to local students.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be among this group of educators who aspire to inspire others in math,” said Miura upon receiving the recognition.
The winner of the award will be announced this spring in Washington, D.C.
“The goal of education is, or should be, understanding,” Miura said. “Therefore the essential questions, for each student is ‘Does it make sense?’ This question, in mathematics, makes the content meaningful.”
Miura believes that every student can push his understanding of mathematics forward when the teacher constructs meaningful problems and creates an atmosphere where each student is encouraged to take risks and explore the ideas of mathematics.
The winner of the award will receive a citation signed by President Bush, a paid trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a week-long series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.
According to Celestine H. Pea, Ph.D., program director of elementary, secondary and information education programs at the National Science Foundation, the presidential award is one way of honoring outstanding teachers for the excellent work they do each year in helping to keep the U.S. competitive globally in mathematics and science.
“They have the knowledge, skills, commitment, and determination to bring out the best in their students. Evaluation results show that teachers who receive the presidential award use the recognition, honor, and award funds to grow professionally and help improve teaching and learning of mathematics and science in their schools, districts, and states by taking on the roles of leaders, mentors, and scholars in their communities,” Pea said.
Nominations and applications are now being accepted for 7-12th grade teachers for the 2007 presidential awards.
Each state and jurisdiction can select up to three mathematics and three science teachers as state finalists.
For more information, log on to www.paemst.org.