Presidential Awards in Teaching Math and Science

President George W. Bush honored Barbara Reng, a science teacher from the Sixth Grade Academic Center in Jonesboro, and Lisa Honey, a mathematics teacher from Gibbs Albright Elementary School in Newport.  The teachers received the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for teaching in these fields. Reng and Honey are the only winners from Arkansas, and two of 93 teachers nationwide to receive the prestigious award.

In a citation given to Reng and Honey, President Bush commended them "for embodying excellence in teaching, for devotion to the learning needs of the students, and for upholding the high standards that exemplify American education at its finest." As award recipients, they each received a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the federal agency that administers the awards program on behalf of The White House, and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, DC, for a week of celebratory events and professional development activities.

Established by Congress in 1983, the annual Presidential Awards program identifies highly qualified mathematics and science teachers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories and the U.S. Department of Defense Schools. This year’s recipients — recommended for the award by a panel of leading mathematicians, scientists and educators — are teachers in grades K-6.

With innovative lesson plans, Reng teaches, engages and excites her students about science. She says, "a class favorite is using litmus paper, pH paper and cabbage juice to test household substances to determine which are acids and which are bases. Students enjoy this activity because they feel like real scientists as they make and test predictions, work in small groups and wear safety equipment."

"Relating topics to personal experiences or current events using music, art, story telling, literature and humor is important because it establishes a context and a reason for studying topics that appear to be challenging and intimidating," said Reng in her application.  She has been an active member of the Arkansas Science Teachers Association for a number of years and, as its regional director, has served on the board, filled appointed positions and submitted articles to the state newsletter. Additionally, in 2000, Reng served as the K-6 spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Education Science Textbook Selection Committee.

In her application, Honey says "a class favorite is any math activity that involves measurement, because we often work out of the book and, sometimes, out of the classroom, resulting in a more authentic learning experience. For example, the track field is a great place to teach elapsed time, and the basketball court easily lends itself to lessons on calculating perimeter and area."

In her application, Honey said:  "I build strong relationships with my students and relate the curricula to real-life learning experiences."  Honey participated in a professional development program at the Arkansas Leadership Academy that encouraged both personal and professional growth.