Aimee Kay earns award

Thermopolis Middle School science teacher, Aimee Kay, has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

In her 25 years of teaching, she has taught sixth grade science, language arts and social studies as well as serving as the district’s technology facilitator and high school dropout prevention and court liaison coordinator for at-risk students. Her most recent work has been with the seventh and eighth graders at TMS as their science teacher.

Along with her teaching, she has been nationally recognized as a model professional learning community and two-time runner up for the DuFour Award. Named the district’s Teacher of the Year in 2018, she followed that up being named the Wyoming State Junior High Coach of the Year in 2019.

Kay earned her B.A. in education and M.S. in natural science from the University of Wyoming and received National Board Certification in 2019.

“The PAEMST award is an honor that has already connected me with a network of exceptional teachers around our state who are willing to share ideas and collaborate,” she said, “inspiring my continued growth.

“I look forward to connecting with STEM teachers nationally as well. It has validated my efforts as I prepare the next generation of scientists and problem solvers to make the world a better place.

“Through it, I have also gained more confidence in my methods and a rejuvenated sense of purpose and passion.”

The PAEMST is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teaching.

Each Presidential Awardee receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a $10,000 award. They are also honored at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C.