Cleveland City Schools announces that Cleveland High School science teacher, Jeannie Long, has been named a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.  The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through grade 12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Ms. Long is one of three state finalist for science; there are also three finalists for math.

Director of Schools Dr. Russell Dyer said, "Jeannie Long is a positive example for her peers and students. Her dedication to the art and science of teaching is evident by both the classroom and real life experiences she provides for her students. We are honored to have Ms. Long as a teacher in our district, and I wish her all the best in her nomination for this prestigious award."
 
A national board certified teacher, Ms. Long, started teaching science at Cleveland High School in 2000; she is the sponsor for the Science National Honor Society, Science Olympiad Team and Environmental Awareness Association. Ms. Long has received the Tennessee Academy of Science Outstanding Secondary Science Teacher Award and the Cleveland City Schools System Level Teacher of the Year Award two times. She has served as the Biology I trainer for the TN Department of Education and vice-chair of the TN Science Standards Recommendation Committee. In 2018, she was one of four teachers representing Tennessee at the Society for Science & the Public Research Teachers Conference in Washington D.C.

Ms. Long stated, "I am incredibly honored to be recognized as a state finalist in science for PAEMST.  We have so many amazing science teachers in the state of Tennessee.  I am grateful for the support I have received at Cleveland High School.  This support has allowed me to pursue teaching courses and establish projects that allow me to engage my students in rigorous authentic science learning experiences." 
 
The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation.  Nominees for this award submitted an application including a video and analysis of a lesson.  Applicants must exhibit mastery of content and instructional practices, reflective practice, life-long learning and leadership inside and outside the classroom.  The applications were reviewed by mathematicians, scientists, classroom teachers and mathematics and science education professionals.  Materials for all state finalists have been sent to the national level where they will be reviewed by mathematicians, scientists, mathematics and science education researchers.