A Rawlings Elementary School fifth-grade teacher was named a Florida finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Cynthia Tennell is one of six finalists from Florida and was nominated in 2023 by her then-principal Laura Creamer, according to an Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) release.

Tennell was required to submit an extensive application that, according to the PAEMST website, provides, “evidence of deep content knowledge, exemplary pedagogical skills, student assessment expertise, reflective teaching and leadership that results in improved student learning.”

The PAEMST, established in 1983, is the highest honor awarded by the federal government for K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teaching. There are 110 teachers nationwide chosen each year from among the finalists to receive the award. Teachers who receive the award receive an all-expenses paid trip to the recognition ceremony and a certificate signed by the President of the United States, along with $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

Tennell’s PAEMST application was reviewed by the state selection committee, which is made up of scientists, education researchers, mathematicians and others, who then select the finalists.

“While I have an amazing opportunity to represent our state, I’m also honored to represent our school district and Rawlings Elementary,” said Tennell in the press release. “I always wanted to represent Rawlings in some capacity, but I never thought it would be at this level or magnitude.”

Tennell started teaching in 2006. She currently teaches fifth-grade math at Rawlings, where she’s been a faculty member since 2013.

According to the release, current Rawlings Elementary School principal, Dr. Stella Arduser, said state officials recognized Tennell for her excellent teaching and the progress she makes with students. She’s been classified as a “Highly Effective’ teacher based on her students’ test scores.

“Her lessons are full of energy, and she consistently finds ways to capture the attention of every student through her instructional delivery,” said Arduser.

A national selection committee will review the applications of the state finalists later this spring. A date for announcing the PAEMST award winners has not been announced.