(02/14/2025) Emily Payán, teacher at Ramsey Elementary School, was recently selected as a recipient of a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in the Minnesota Mathematics award category. The award recognizes significant contributions award recipients have made to the teaching profession and in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The PAEMST are the highest honors bestowed by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching. 

"The award validates the work that educators do each day. It is an acknowledgment that the work I am doing is noticed and that it matters,” Payán said. “I view the mathematics classroom as a place for every child to share their brilliance and to appreciate the contributions of their peers. Educators have the opportunity to change the trajectory of children's lives in every interaction with them and I strive to make a positive impact on my students daily. I am humbled and grateful that my work toward this has been recognized."

The awards were established by Congress in 1983 and the President recognizes around 100 exemplary teachers each year who have deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to succeed in those areas. Payán will be able to visit the White House in the future to receive the award, along with $10,000.