County Council recognizes SeaTac educator for national award

August 24, 2009

Summary

Presidential award celebrates achievement of math and science educators

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today acknowledged the accomplishments of educator Michele Brees, one of two individuals from Washington State to win the 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award that Brees, a fifth-grade teacher from Madrona Elementary School in SeaTac, will receive is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Next month, Michele and other winners from around the country will travel to the White House where they will receive a signed recognition by President Obama, as well as a ten thousand dollar award from the National Science Academy.

“To have an individual chosen to receive this award from right here in our region speaks volumes for our local education system, and especially for education in South King County,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, who represents SeaTac on the County Council. “Michele’s ongoing contributions to her students, her colleagues and to the greater community make all of us on the Council very proud.”

“I am entirely grateful for the support of my students, their families, and my colleagues for sharing in my success,” said Brees. “I owe it to all of them for teaching me how to achieve my own dreams.”

Enacted by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. Teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. To be considered, teachers must first be nominated, submit an application, and participate in a State-wide interview process before moving forward to a national competition.

Brees has been teaching for twelve years, nine of them at Madrona Elementary School, which is in the Highline School District. Although she teaches a variety of subjects to her students, Michele was chosen to receive the 2008 PAEMST for her ability to encourage mathematical thinking across all subject matter.



King County Councilmember Julia Patterson with Michele Brees, recipient of the 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.