Littleton Public Schools teacher Sarah Ogier has been selected to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching(PAEMST). The PAEMST program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. It is the highest award a K-12 grade math or science teacher can earn for outstanding teaching in the United States.

“Receiving the Presidential Award is an incredible honor. While I always wanted to be a teacher, I never imagined that my work would reach beyond my own classroom” said Ogier, who is in her 13th year of teaching and 12th year at Field Elementary School. She currently teaches fourth grade mathematics, science, and social studies and coaches third through fifth grade teachers, and serves on the district’s Mathematics Teacher Leader Cadre.

“I am thankful for all of the opportunities I have been given to learn more about mathematics instruction and to implement my learning in my classroom and at my school. I am passionate about helping students deeply understand mathematics, and I value opportunities to share that passion with others.” Ogier also helps in selecting new district mathematics materials, and her classroom became a model for their implementation.

By focusing on building students’ conceptual understanding through collaborative problem solving and purposeful discussion, Ogier encourages students to use various strategies and models to solve problems, and orchestrates discussions that help students make connections between various representations, deepening their understanding of the mathematics involved.

Jessica Slattery, interim principal at Field Elementary, noted that Ogier is a collaborative leader and engages other teachers in dialogue, evidence-based practices, and goal-setting, all while being student-centered. “I’m in awe when I watch her interact with the staff that she coaches, and the love and trust she has gained from both staff and students is impressive. She is a gift to our school and to the field of education”

Ogier earned a B.A., summa cum laude, in liberal studies from Westmont College and a M.A. in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in elementary mathematics from the University of Colorado Denver. She also holds a certificate in mathematics teacher leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. She is licensed to teach kindergarten through sixth grade elementary education and 7-12 mathematics education.

Each awardee will receive a citation signed by President Trump and a $10,000 award from NSF. Awardees will also travel to Washington, DC, for an awards ceremony at a later date.