Sandy Hook computer science teacher nominated for Presidential Award
NEWTOWN — An eight-year veteran educator who teaches technology and computer science at Sandy Hook Elementary School has been nominated for the nation’s highest award in her field.
Katherine Mauro, the library media specialist at Sandy Hook school, was nominated with two other teachers in Hartford and Ellington as Connecticut’s finalists in the annual Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Kathleen Gombos, the principal of Sandy Hook school, said Mauro was singled out because she “truly understands how important real-world connections and engagement are to students’ learning.”
“Students are free to be innovative and encouraged to teach one another,” Gombos said. “Thanks to Ms Mauro the SHS media center is truly a magical place for students to learn and grow.”
Mauro, who teaches technology and computer science to kindergartners through fourth graders, joins nominees from 50 states and U.S. territories to compete for the presidential award and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Honored with Mauro are Patricia Hahn, a second grade teacher from Parkville Community School in Hartford, and Christopher Messier, a sixth grade math and science teacher at Center School in Ellington.
“They epitomize the innovative educators we have here in Connecticut and the importance of our efforts to engage students in STEM fields beginning at a young age,” said Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker in a prepared statement. Gombos agreed.
“As our media specialist, (Mauro) uses technology as a vehicle to expose her students to the world,” Gombos said. “Ms Mauro fosters creativity, collaboration and the power of questions in her classroom.”
For example, Mauro used technology to elevate a science lesson, she said.
“This past year, I put together a virtual reality experience highlighting evolutionary traits of animals to support (Next Generation Science Standards,” Mauro wrote in her application.
Teachers who are selected as award winners earn a trip to Washington, D.C., where they receive a $10,000 check
from National Science Foundation and a presidential certificate.