Dr. Terry named Tennessee finalist for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science

Tullahoma High School’s Dr. Candace Terry was named one of four state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science (PAEMST) by the Tennessee Department of Education on Thursday.

“It is an incredible honor to be selected by the PAEMST community as a finalist for the state of Tennessee. This is a dream come true and a meaningful capstone to my career in mathematics education,” Dr. Terry said. “I am deeply grateful for my exceptional precalculus students,

whose curiosity and drive inspire me to be the best educator I can be. I look forward to celebrating this recognition with them as they are truly at the heart of all I do. I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to my valued colleagues who supported me throughout the application process – from video recording and editing to photographs, letters of recommendation and thoughtful feedback. Their encouragement and collaboration have

meant the world to me.”

The PAEMST award is the nation’s highest honor for United States K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers. The awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Awardees are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning, along with their ability to help students make progress in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the awards program is to showcase the highest standards of STEM teaching.

Dr. Terry has spent 33 years inside the classroom, including teaching mathematics at Tullahoma High School for the last 23 years. She received her master’s degree in Art of Teaching from Cumberland University in 2006, before receiving her Ph.D. in Math and Science Education from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018.

“We are so proud to celebrate Dr. Terry as a state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching,” said Tullahoma High School Principal Dr. Greg English. “Her deep knowledge of mathematics and commitment to high-quality instruction are on display every day in her classroom. This recognition further highlights the professionalism and expertise Dr. Terry brings to THS.” Joining Dr. Terry on the list of finalists are: Allison Wright, Science, Freedom Middle School, Franklin Special School District; Amy Hixon, Science, Lincoln Heights Middle School, Hambien County Schools; and Jessica

Dorbin, McCallie School. Each state finalist will move on to national selection, where a committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district-level personnel, and classroom teachers will identify up to two teachers – one in mathematics and one in science – from each state. Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from NSF, a Presidential certificate, and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state and national STEM teaching.

The awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. For more information about the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, or to make a nomination for an outstanding STEM educator, please visit the PAEMST website. “We are all so proud of Dr. Terry on this incredible achievement,” said TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens. “Tullahoma City Schools is thankful Dr. Terry is a math teacher in our district, as she facilitates

learning for our high school math students. Not only is Dr. Terry one of four Tennessee finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science, but she is the only math educator on this list. That, right there, says it all. Dr. Terry truly deserves this honor, and I cannot wait to see the results as she advances to the national competition.”