Dr. Katherine Schilling is one of the three science teachers that have been selected as a Louisiana state-level finalist by the State Selection Committee for this year’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST was established in 1983 and is the highest honor given by the United States government for teachers teaching K-12 in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The award recognizes those teachers who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Since the program's inception, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.
Dr. Schilling is the science department chair at Holy Cross School teaching AP Biology, Biology I, AP Seminar, and Algebra 3.
When asked about her accomplishment Dr. Schilling said "I am honored to be selected as a state finalist and am so proud to represent the state of Louisiana during this next phase of the award process. As one of 3 state finalists, I will do my best to show the national review committee the great things that are happening in education in Louisiana. Thank you to Holy Cross and to all of my students for being so supportive during this process! Please pray for me as I move into this next phase.”
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government, specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching. The Awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.
As a state-level finalist, Dr. Schilling is automatically a candidate for the state Presidential award in science and will be judged on a national level. Her work will be looked at by a prestigious national committee that reports to the National Science Foundation. They will select one teacher from the state-level finalists. In the meantime, while they make their selections Dr. Schilling will be honored at a luncheon in Baton Rouge with the other finalist.
Holy Cross School is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school founded in 1849 by the Congregation of Holy Cross School to educate young men from metropolitan New Orleans. Serving students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12, Holy Cross School is fully accredited by the Louisiana State Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and holds memberships in the National Catholic Educational Association, the National Middle School Association, and the National High School Association. A Holy Cross School education engages the whole man – mind and heart, body and soul – and is rooted in the teachings of Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. For more information about Holy Cross School visit www.holycrosstigers.com or call 504.942.3100.