For Immediate Release: July 27, 2011

BPS Teacher Chosen State Level Finalist
2011 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Program

            Viera, Florida – Brevard Public Schools’ (BPS) teacher Lyn Orletsky, a mathematics teacher from Titusville High School (THS), has been selected as a state level finalist for the 2011 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Program (PAEMST).

            The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12^th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1983, this program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

            Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Schools; and the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science.

             “Ms. Orletsky exemplifies the epitome of professionalism and dedication to students,” said THS Principal Lori Spinner.  “She is a model teacher, respected colleague, and motivator of students –exemplifying all the qualities of the best we seek in educators.”   Spinner continued by saying, “She sets excellence, strong character, community service, and life-long learning as the ideals to live by.  Titusville High is thrilled that Ms. Orletsky’s talents have been recognized with this prestigious honor.”

            Orletsky has been a BPS teacher for 15 years.  She was nominated as the THS Teacher of the Year candidate and was one of the six district finalists for the 2010-11 school year.

            The following are eligibility criteria for PAEMST nominees:

• Teach mathematics or science at the 7-12th grade level (2011 deadline) or K-6th grade level (2012 deadline) in a public or private school.
• Hold at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Be a full-time employee of the school or school district as determined by state and district policies, and teach K-12 students at least 50% of the time.
• Have at least 5 years of full-time, K-12 mathematics or science teaching experience prior to the 2010-2011 academic school year (2011 deadline) or prior to the 2011-2012 academic school year (2012 deadline).
• Teach in one of the 50 states or the four U.S. jurisdictions. Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category.

            Each application submitted by a state level finalist is forwarded to a national selection committee composed of mathematics educators, teachers, and past awardees who will meet in Washington, DC, to select the PAEMST awardees at the national level. The teachers chosen to be PAEMST awardees will be notified by the White House, will receive $10,000 and be will be honored at various future ceremonies.