Norman math teacher follows mother to national honors
NORMAN — Macey Stewart’s career path was heavily influenced by her mother, a longtime math teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School.
“I watched the difference she made in children’s lives as I was growing up,” said Stewart, who teaches the same subject at Washington Elementary. “I knew from the time I was in elementary school that I wanted to be a teacher as well.”
Like her mother, Stewart, 34, also is a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
The awards, announced this week in Washington, D.C., are the highest honors given by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science (including computer science) teaching.
They recognize math and science teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning.
“It’s a really great honor to be recognized nationally,” Stewart said Friday. “It’s an honor to follow in my mother’s footsteps.”
Pat Morgan, Stewart’s mother, received the award in 2008. She taught at Eisenhower for about 30 years and was the school’s math specialist. Morgan still works in the district as a parttime teacher of gifted and talented students at Madison Elementary.
Stewart and Michelle Rahn, a sixth-grade science teacher at Will Rogers Junior High in Claremore, were the only teachers from Oklahoma to receive the award this year.
“It definitely validates that I am using best practices,” Stewart said. “Our district is great at supporting us with professional development and encouraging us to be innovative teachers.”
Awardees received a certificate signed by the president of the United States and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and were honored during recognition events that took place this week in Washington.
The events included an award ceremony, professional development opportunities, and discussions with policy-makers on how to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
“Michelle and Macey represent the apex of quality instruction in science and mathematics,” state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said in a statement.
“Because of their commitment to their craft, dedication to engaging all students and drive to discover creative classroom strategies, they are an inspiration to teachers and families. Their leadership is invaluable as Oklahoma progresses toward becoming a highperforming state in allaround academics and career-readiness.”