Morgantown Teacher Earns Presidential Award
A Morgantown High School educator has been recognized with one of the most prestigious national honors for teaching excellence. Kerianne Smead, a seasoned math teacher, has been named one of four teachers from West Virginia teacher to receive the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award, which celebrates exceptional K-12 educators in science, math, and engineering, is considered the highest honor from the U.S. government for these fields.
Smead’s teaching career spans 12 years, during which she has made a significant impact at multiple schools, including Fairmont Senior High School, Preston High School, and Greenbrier East High School. Her contributions to education have not gone unnoticed, as she was also named the 2024 Mathematics Teacher of the Year at the secondary level by the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Recognizing Excellence in Education
Kerianne Smead isn’t the only West Virginia teacher to receive the prestigious PAEMST honor this year. Three other educators from the state were also recognized for their exemplary contributions to science and mathematics education. The award recipients include:
Alicen Adkins, a sixth- and seventh-grade science teacher at Moorefield Middle School.
Renee Haines, a 17-year veteran biology teacher at Martinsburg High School.
Adam Riazi, a mathematics and computer science teacher at Cabell Midland High School.
The awards were part of a larger recognition effort, with a total of 336 educators and mentors being honored nationwide.
State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt praised the honorees, stating, “It is an honor for these West Virginia educators to be recognized nationally for their exceptional practices and dedication to their students, colleagues, and communities. Each of them brings a unique perspective to their students, as is reflected in their passion for teaching. We are grateful for their service and are proud of this accomplishment.”
About the PAEMST Program
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching were established to highlight the critical role educators play in fostering excellence in STEM education. Administered by the U.S. government, the program celebrates teachers who inspire innovation and promote rigorous learning standards in science, math, and engineering.
The awards not only recognize individual achievements but also serve to underscore the importance of quality education in shaping future generations. According to the West Virginia teacher Department of Education, this recognition reflects the dedication of the state’s teachers in preparing students for a rapidly evolving world driven by STEM advancements.
With teachers like Kerianne Smead and her fellow awardees leading the way,West Virginia teacher continues to set a high standard for educational excellence and innovation in STEM disciplines