Bernice Young Elementary School teacher Amy Allen is Arkansas’ sole finalist for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Awards for K-6 Mathematics.
“As an educator who has always loved teaching mathematics and sharing my passion with others, being nominated for this award is an absolute honor in itself,” Allen said. “I'm truly humbled to be an Arkansas finalist and to have the opportunity to be recognized as part of such a prestigious group of educators.”
The United States government awards PAEMST recognitions as the highest national honor for K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics teaching, according to the award website.
Springdale Public Schools has had 20 award finalists since the recognition was established in 1983, 10 of whom progressed to be named national PAEMST award winners. The president recognizes 110 exemplary teachers with the award annually, according to the PAEMST website.
The award recognizes 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, according to the website.
Allen has worked as an educator for 10 years, she said. She’s worked for Springdale Schools for eight years and has served students at Young Elementary for one year. Allen previously worked at Knapp Elementary School for seven years.
The fourth-grade teacher said she looks forward to continuing to grow and develop her craft and to collaborating with other educators to provide opportunities toward success for all students.
“My hope is to inspire students to be confident and enthusiastic mathematicians,” Allen said. “I would like to thank my family, Christi Schrauger, my administrators over the years, my students and many of my colleagues for their continued encouragement and support.”
National committees convened in April and May 2024 to review finalists’ applications and to make awardee recommendations, according to supporting award documents. The White House will announce and recognize awardees on a to-be-determined date.
Springdale Historical PAEMST Awardees and Finalists
Springdale Public Schools PAEMST Awardees
2020: Lindsay Hall, Young Elementary School, K-6 Mathematics
2018: Anna Shaw, Kelly Middle School, K-6 Mathematics
2016: Amy Sandy, Sonora Elementary School, K-6 Mathematics
2014: Ashley Kasnicka, Jones Elementary School, K-6 Mathematics; and Cassie Kautzer, Monitor Elementary school, K-6 Science
2012: Christi Schrauger, Harp Elementary School, K-6 Mathematics
2010: Stacey Dominguez, Shaw Elementary School, K-6 Mathematics
2002: Kathryn Lacy, Southwest Junior High School, 7-12 Science
2001: Kathy Short, Smith Elementary School, K-6 Science
2000: Kathy Prophet, Helen Tyson Middle School, 7-2 Science
Springdale Public Schools PAEMST Mathematics State Finalists*
2024: Amy Allen, Young Elementary School
2022: Jamie Ramsey, Jim D. Rollins School of Innovation
2020: Lindsay Hall, Young Elementary School
2018: Anna Shaw, Kelly Middle School
2017: Travis Fink, Har-Ber High School
2016: Melissa Henry, Shaw Elementary School; and Amy Sandy, Sonora Elementary School
2015: Cynthia Robinson, Springdale High School
2014: Ashley Kasnicka, Jones Elementary School
2013: Summer Catron, Springdale High School; and Cynthia Robinson, Springdale High School
2012: Christi Schrauger, Harp Elementary School
2010: Stacey Dominguez, Shaw Elementary School
*State Finalist Archives only go back to 2013
Springdale Public Schools PAEMST Science State Finalists*
2022: Stephanie Long, Turnbow Elementary School
2020: Lisa Taylor, Shaw Elementary School and; Stephanie Long, Turnbow Elementary School
2014: Cassie Kautzer, Monitor Elementary School
2002: Kathryn Lacy, Southwest Junior High School
2001: Kathy Short, Smith Elementary School, K-6 Science
2000: Kathy Prophet, Helen Tyson Middle School, 7-2 Science
*State Finalist Archives only go back to 2013