Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
Bridgeport, CT
For Immediate Release For More Information:
September 6, 2016 Av Harris (203) 814-7992
av.harris@bridgeportct.gov
-Press Release-
Bridgeport Educator Wins National Recognition by White House for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching
Elizabeth Capasso of Jettie S. Tisdale School Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Grade 7-12 Mathematics Teaching
Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Joe Ganim today is congratulating one of Bridgeport’s own, Elizabeth Capasso, Mathematics teacher at the Jettie S. Tisdale School, who recently received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for 7-12th graders. The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Capasso was one of only 213 mathematics and science teachers selected from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories schools this year.
“We are so proud of President Obama’s recognition of Elizabeth Capasso as a true example of mathematics teaching for the entire nation,” said Mayor Ganim. “This national award is an amazing achievement for Ms. Capasso and also for our community. We are lucky to have her educating our kids at the Tisdale School, and we all recognize how critical math education is for our youth if we want them to succeed as adults. We have many talented teachers in Bridgeport, and it is a very special achievement to have one of our educators recognized by the White House.”
In a recent statement President Barack Obama said, “The recipients of this award are integral to ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to our Nation’s success. As the United States continues to lead the way in the innovation that is shaping our future, these excellent teachers are preparing students from all corners of the country with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills that help keep us on the cutting-edge.”
Bridgeport Superintendent, Fran Rabinowitz said, “Elizabeth has been teaching our students in Bridgeport for nearly eight years. She is dedicated to her students and passionate about equiping our next generation of leaders with strong skills in mathematics. Educators in Bridgeport work very hard to enrich the minds and lives of the 21,000 students in our district. This recognition by the White House of Elizabeth’s hard work is a well deserved accomplishment. ”
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process at the state level. Each nomination year of the award alternates between teachers in the kindergarten through 6th grade level, and those teaching 7th through 12th grades. The cohort of awardees named this year represent two nomination years, one of teachers in kindergarten through 6th grade classrooms and the other in 7th through 12th grade classrooms.
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 national network of outstanding educators. Since 1983, more than 4,600 America teachers have received this award for their contributions in the classroom. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Capasso will join the other winners to receive their awards at a ceremony at the White House in Washington D.C. this Wednesday, September 8, 2016.
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