Congratulations, Ms. Madok!

BY MAGGIE OLIVE KLEIN

Katrina Madok, our very own Key West science teacher over at Gerald Adams Elementary, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) on February 8th, 2022! According to the official PAEMST website, paemst.org, “(PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.” The award recognizes hardworking, devoted teachers that have knowledge on the subjects they teach, as well as the capability to motivate and engage their students in the area. Madok is well deserving of the award, and was able to speak on her experience thus far as a teacher, as well as her honor in receiving the award. 

Recipients of the PAEMST receive a certificate signed by the President of the US, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and a paid trip to Washington, D.C. for recognition events, as well as opportunities for professional development. Pretty impressive if you ask me. 

Madok applied to the award back in 2020, and only found out as of the 8th of February that she had won. There are a lot of fine details that occur behind the scenes, and the process was long. When asked about what Madok credits her teaching success to, she states, “There are a lot of factors that contribute. As a teacher, I work with other teachers and participate in various programs that nurture my teaching style and my philosophies.” Madok goes on to explain how the people within her community, the teaching styles she has observed, and the extensive past she has had with certain teachers has really melded her into the educator that she is today. 

Madok emphasizes how much of a role her students have in her life. “I am always learning from my students everyday. Their questions constantly make me think and urge me to learn more.” This desire to progress with learning is so vital to society, especially teachers, as exposure to new material, or fresh ways of looking at things, is so rewarding. The beauty of an exchange of information between student and teacher is so important. Madok also gave credit to a teacher that she had been fond of as a child. She didn’t have her as a teacher personally, but her siblings did, and she had been inspired by this teacher to enter the field as an adult. Flash forward, and Madok is an incredibly exceptional teacher, and has won the PAEMST in 2022! Congratulations, Madok! You are an inspiration to many.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]