Big Island educator receives nation’s highest award for science and math teachers : Big Island Now

Six Hawai‘i public school educators who received the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest award that a science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Among those recipients was Whitney Aragaki, a science teacher at Waiākea High School. Aragaki, a National Board Certified Teacher, was recognized as the 2022 Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year and one of four finalists for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year award.

She was also a 2019 and 2021 state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Aragaki was also selected in 2021 for the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program.

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The six-month virtual Obama Leaders program supports and connects emerging leaders in the United States, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Europe through a values-based leadership framework inspired by the ideals and legacy of Barak and Michelle Obama.

Other Hawai‘i recipients are:

• Jessica Barbera, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
• Michael Ida, Kalani High School
• Gregory Kent, Kailua Elementary School
• Karleen Lynch, Pearl City High School
• Sarah Milianta-Laffin, ʻIlima Intermediate School

These educators are among 336 teachers and mentors from across the country who were nominated by their principals, teachers, parents, students or members of the general public for serving as role models to their colleagues, inspiration to their communities and leaders in the improvement of STEM education.

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“On behalf of the entire Hawai‘i State Department of Education, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our six extraordinary educators on receiving this distinguished national honor,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Their dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in STEM education inspires not only their students but also their peers and communities across Hawai‘i. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to preparing our students for a future of limitless possibilities.”

The awardees receive a certificate signed by President Joe Biden, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

The recipients also join an active network of educators from throughout the nation. Since 1983, more than 5,500 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

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The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching were established by Congress in 1983 and recognize up to 110 teachers and mentors each year from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity schools and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).

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