Teachers from the NASA-affiliated Montana Learning Center in Helena, Mont. are being lauded as two of the nation’s leading educators. 

Fifth grade teacher Chris Pavlovich of East Side Intermediate School in Livingston, Mont., was recently recognized with the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. Recipients reflect the best of the expertise and dedication to their profession among the nation’s body of teachers, and demonstrate how outstanding educators can dramatically impact student achievement. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Arlee High School science teacher Bill Stockton is the 2022 Montana Teacher of the Year, and joins a cohort of 56 Teachers of the Year, representing every state and territory across America. The national Teacher of the Year program aims to encourage student success by enhancing teachers’ leadership abilities and classroom creativity. Recipients meet in Washington, DC for further training and to exchange ideas about their innovative approaches to student learning. Stockton teaches high school science on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Northwestern Montana, and the Montana Digital Academy.