Chestnut Ridge High School’s Lori Sidelinger Honored with Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Lori Sidelinger, a recently retired mathematics teacher from Chestnut Ridge High School, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The announcement was made on January 13th, 2025 by President Joe Biden, recognizing 336 outstanding educators and mentors from across the United States.

The PAEMST is the highest honor that K-12 mathematics and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Established in 1983, the award celebrates teachers who have demonstrated exceptional expertise in their subject area and an unwavering commitment to enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Awardees represent schools from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and U.S. territories.

During her tenure at Chestnut Ridge High School, Mrs. Sidelinger was known for her deep content knowledge, innovative teaching methods, and ability to inspire students of all backgrounds to excel in mathematics. Her dedication to academic excellence and her passion for education have left a lasting impact on the students and faculty at Chestnut Ridge.

Recipients of the PAEMST undergo a rigorous selection process that includes demonstrating their ability to adapt to diverse learning environments and showcasing their impact on student achievement. The award is managed by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Each recipient receives a $10,000 award and is honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

For more information about the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, visit www.paemst.org