District 6 educator wins national presidential award

Sidney Cerise, a math educator at Early College Academy in Greeley-Evans School District 6, has won the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teacher. She is one of 336 teachers nationwide to receive this honor.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, as it serves as a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and passion that drives me every day in the classroom,” Cerise said. “What motivates me is the opportunity to make a positive impact on my students’ lives by helping them build confidence, critical thinking skills and a love for math that will serve them for years to come. This recognition is truly a reflection of the collective effort of my students, colleagues and the entire district community.”

Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.  A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess nominations before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.

“Sidney exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, caring and excellent educator who helps motivate her students to truly learn and understand the content. She makes learning relevant and fun for her students,” said District 6 Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “We are so proud of Sidney and she is very deserving of this recognition.”

Cerise was hired in 2013 as a math teacher at Franklin Middle School, where she worked until 2018. That year, she moved to Early College Academy, where she has since worked as a math instructor.  During her tenure in District 6, Cerise has also been involved with curriculum development, vertical teaming, professional development and has serve as the Department Chair and Student Council Sponsor at ECA in recent years.

Cerise and all the winners will receive $10,000, a paid trip to Washington D.C. and a certificate signed by U.S. President Joe Biden.