Mary Elaine Vaughan
Oak Ridge High School math teacher Elaine Vaughan has been named a Tennessee state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, or PAEMST.
The PAEMST are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science, a press release said. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.
Vaughan is one of five finalists in mathematics for the 2015 PAEMST in Tennessee. Awardees will receive a certificate signed by President Barack Obama, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
In addition to her recognition through PAEMST, Vaughan has been named as a Tennessee State Educator Fellow through the Hope Street Group. Teacher Fellows will meet with local and state leaders to help create practical solutions to address public education policy issues.
Also, Teacher Fellows will provide peer feedback to the Tennessee Department of Education on critical classroom education policies. Hope Street Group believes that educator input in policymaking that impacts teachers and students is one large-scale way to begin to build a public education system that works better for everyone, the press release said.
Vaughan has been a math teacher at Oak Ridge High School for 20 years. She is a National Board certified teacher, a Professional Learning Communities coach, and a member of the Response to Instruction and Intervention team. Vaughan is also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional honor society of women educators.
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