4 FROM NM GIVEN PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS

Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching award is the highest U.S. honor given to STEM teachers.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced dozens of recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, including four from New Mexico.

They are Krystal Irby from nex+Gen Academy in Albuquerque, Cindy Lee from Snell Middle School in Bayard, Erin Mayer from the Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts in Albuquerque, and Eric Schultz from Sixth Grade Academy in Pojoaque.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, established in 1983, is the highest award given by the U.S. government to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers in those subjects, the White House said in a news release.

Awardees come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense Education Activity schools, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the release.

Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation.

A panel of mathematicians, scientists and educators at state and national levels assess the applications before recommending nominees.

Teachers are chosen based on their distinction in the classroom, and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.