Francis honored by Board of Education; recognized for national award

Jill Francis holds her certificate of recognition presented by Sherry Bright. Photo by Ritchie Garland

Jill Francis, who teaches in the science department at Chase High School, was recognized last week by the Rutherford County Board of Education as being a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Bradley's national honor was made known last month by the White House and she along with 49 other awardees from across the nation will be recognized by the President of the United States, receive a paid trip to Washington DC for a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and benefit from opportunities to network with esteemed colleagues across the nation.

"It is my pleasure to congratulate and commend Mrs. Francis for this well-deserved recognition of her remarkable impact in the classroom, in her school community, and in the lives of her students," Rutherford County Schools Superintendent Dr. David Sutton said at the Board of Education meeting.

School Board Chair Sherry Bright officially presented Francis a certificate of recognition.

°Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers of mathematics and science, including computer science. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the State and National levels assess the applications before recommending nominees to OSTP. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.