The National Science Foundation has awarded a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) to Wyandotte Elementary School teacher Aaron Hamilton.

The PAEMST program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science.

Each awardee will receive a citation signed by President Trump and a $10,000 award from the NSF. Hamilton is in Washington, DC this week for an awards ceremony.

“Mr. Hamilton serves as a role model for excellence in teaching and shines the spotlight on the quality of education in our district and state,” says TSC Superintendent Dr. Scott Hanback. “He fosters a love of science that is essential in preparing our students for future careers.”

Hamilton is in his ninth year of teaching in the TSC. He earned a bachelor's degree from Purdue University.

Hamilton credits the SLED (Science Learning through Engineering Design) program at Purdue University for helping to provide resources that help spark enthusiasm for science among his students. He says the engineering design tasks in that program challenge students with the next generation science standards.

“Receiving the Presidential Award in science is an extraordinary honor,” says Hamilton. “This award celebrates the large group that has been a part of my journey: the guidance of several mentors, inspiring passion of my colleagues, enthusiasm of my students, and support of my family. This award reaffirms that the hard work to develop and implement engineering design task challenges should continue in order to further inspire and challenge students. I look forward to what the future of science education holds!”

Wyandotte Elementary School Principal Mary Beth Fitzgerald describes Hamilton as a modest, quiet educator. “Our staff considers him the ‘STEM Guy’ who guides us on new topics and science teaching strategies,” says Fitzgerald. “His teaching methods and materials inspire students to accomplish more than they thought possible.”