Two Faculty Members Win Prestigious PAEMST Award
The School at Columbia University is pleased to announce that faculty members Eliza Chung and Lisbeth Uribe have been named recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The 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 represents two nomination years, one of teachers in kindergarten through 6th grade classrooms and the other in 7th through 12th grade classrooms.
Eliza Chung is in her 13th year at The School, where she has taught first through third grades as a classroom teacher. She now provides mathematics learning support in kindergarten through third grades, collaborating with teachers to differentiate instruction for students. Eliza also teaches mathematics pedagogy as an adjunct professor in the Bank Street Graduate School of Education and through Teach 21, the TSC professional development institute.
She believes in creating meaningful contexts for developing young mathematicians with entry points for all learners, while using constructivist approaches within The School's integrated curriculum.
“In developing young mathematicians, we encourage children to think critically, communicate effectively, and take risks frequently. Engaging in this process can empower a student or teacher beyond the classroom and build a sense of agency to face the challenges of the 21st century. I am grateful that this award recognizes how this important work has foundations in the primary classroom and by developing teachers of young children,” Chung says.
Passionate about leadership, Eliza has mentored new teachers as co-coordinator of the Associate Teacher Program and a facilitator of the New York State Association of Independent Schools' Beginning Teachers Institute. She enjoys sharing her knowledge by presenting at National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Teaching With Technology conferences. She is a member of TSC’s faculty Diversity Committee and helps plan professional development.
Eliza holds a B.A. in psychology from Barnard College of Columbia University (where she won the Kossoff Prize for Excellent Contributions in Elementary Education), and a M.A. from Teachers College at Columbia University in cognitive studies in educational practice.
Lisbeth Uribe is a founding faculty member of TSC since its inception in 2003. She teaches kindergarten and fourth grade students, and created the science curriculum for the kindergarten through fourth grade levels. Collaborating with colleagues, Lisbeth created a robotics curriculum for second through fourth grade, receiving the Teach Tech Award. Her robotics team won awards at RoboCup Junior competitions, including first place in China. Two of her students were honored at the first White House Science Fair in 2010.
Lisbeth was an adjunct graduate professor of early childhood mathematics and science education at Pace University. She has presented workshops and published her work. Prior to teaching at The School, Lisbeth was a molecular genetics researcher and co-authored two scientific papers.
Lisbeth’s interest in the environment and robotics have resulted in awards and grants taking her to Antarctica (Inspire 2041), China (RoboCup Junior), South Africa (National Geographic KIDS Explorer), and the North Atlantic (NOAA Teacher at Sea). Her commitment to community service is evidenced by her work as a math tutor (NYC Exemplary Volunteer), science teacher (Kings School, India), as well as with the National Geographic Bee.
“The PAEMST celebrates teachers who devote their energies to creating, for our young scientists, a space that is engaging, inclusive, and joyful, in which all students, no matter their gender, skin color or socioeconomic circumstances, can grow and thrive as lifelong learners and discoverers. When children are respected, encouraged, and included, they will be inspired to engage and care about working on the important problems facing the world,” Uribe says.
Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion, and are invited to Washington, DC, for an awards ceremony, as well educational and celebratory events, and visits with members of the Administration.
"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,” President Obama said. “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.”
Eliza Chung and Lisbeth Uribe join TSC faculty member Julie Broderick (Grade 5 teacher) and Greg Benedis-Grab (former science teacher), who were both named PAEMST recipients in 2010.