Among the 103 educators named by President Obama as recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching was Portsmouth High School's (PHS) science department chair, Jeffrey Schoonover, according to a release posted on WhiteHouse.gov. The annual award goes to the best pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country.

In a note on the PHS listserv, Principal Robert Littlefield said, "This award comes as no surprise to us at Portsmouth High School. Besides being an outstanding instructional leader of the science department and a driving force for overall school improvement, Mr. Schoonover is at his best in the classroom working with his students." Added Littlefield, "We are very proud to call Mr. Schoonover a member of the PHS community and are thankful that our students get to benefit from this gifted educator."

"Receiving the Presidential Award confirms my long-time dedication to the important role that science education has in students' lives," Schoonover told harddeadlines. "I love teaching science and feel fortunate that I have always been surrounded by great teachers, highly supportive administrators, and, most of all, incredible students who inspire me to work harder and reach higher on a daily basis. At PHS, all science teachers have worked hard at revamping our curriculum to a Physics First approach. That is, we follow a sequence of physics, chemistry, then biology. This was a major change in our approach to teaching science but I felt that this would better prepare our students for careers in those STEM-related fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). I have advocated for more use of scientific inquiry-based activities throughout our science program and have encouraged more students to enroll in honors/advanced science classes. More students are participating in science fair than ever before and our AP science curriculum has experienced over a 100% increase in enrolled students in just a few years. I strongly believe that PHS students are better prepared for college and are acquiring skills that will be necessary for success in the 21st century."

Schoonover will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

I'm sure all of Portsmouth will join me in congratulating our award-winning teacher.