Career Tech teacher garners national award

Oklahoma CareerTech science instructor

Heather Voss was honored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as a 2023 State recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Voss teaches science and math in the Computer Science Academy at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. She is one of three Oklahoma educators to be recognized as a PAEMST State winner, and all are eligible to receive a national award.

“I feel so honored to be nominated for science this year and to be selected as a finalist,” Voss said. “When I received the call that I was one of the finalists, it was during the same class that was videoed as part of the application process. Those students told me they thought it was a given that I would be a finalist, despite the tough competition.

I feel blessed to know those students think so highly of me.”

Juliette Dalhed, a science and math instructor in the Biosciences and Medicine Academy at Francis Tuttle, was nominated for a PAESMNT state award.

PAEMST instructors are selected from across the country. They were all recognized by the NSF in a virtual celebration meeting in May.

“The important thing is, win or lose at the national level, you are all winners at the state level,” Dr. Robert Mayes, Program Director for Excellence Awards in Science and Engineering, said to award recipients.

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Voss has been an instructor at Francis Tuttle since 2015. She holds a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Physics from Iowa State University and Bachelor of Science degrees in Physics and Mathematics from Oklahoma State University.

PAEMST are the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government for K-12 STEM teachers. It recognizes educators who have extensive knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate students to learn more. This year is the 40th anniversary for PAEMST, with over 5,200 teachers recognized during that time.

“What you have accomplished is already a testament to your contributions to the next generation of scientists and leaders,” Dr. Jermelina Tupas, Deputy Director of Equity for Excellence in STEM with the NSF, said. “That’s the good thing about being. Teacher: you can see through generations and before you know it, they are already leading the pack because of what you have started.”

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

Francis Tuttle has academies in Computer Science, Biosciences and Medicine, and Engineering. They are open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who plan on studying STEM subjects in college.