Columbus Academy math and computer science teacher Chris Bolognese has been selected as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST), announced by President Joe Biden on January 13, 2025. This is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the United States government and Chris is one of 336 teachers and mentors nationwide – and one of just six in Ohio – to earn this prestigious honor.
According to this press release by the White House, the Presidential Award for Excellence honors the "vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators." To be considered for this award, nominees complete a "rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments." Nominations are then assessed by a panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national levels, before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.
Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. Awardees also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout the nation.
Chris joined the Upper School faculty at Academy in 2015 and previously served as our PreK-12 mathematics department chair. He also currently serves as a national mentor to new teachers' circles, with over 130 across the nation. Chris was the 2016 Central Ohio High School Math Teacher of the Year and the 2017 State High School Math Teacher of the Year from the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In 2021, he was a state finalist for the PAEMST. He also was editorial panel chair for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' national journal The Mathematics Teacher and is the co-founder and facilitator of the Columbus Math Teachers' Circle, an organization for mathematics teachers to engage in rich mathematics as a form of professional development.
Congratulations to Chris on receiving this award and we look forward to sharing coverage from his trip to our nation's capital in the coming months!