Two Iowa Educators Receive Presidential Award

Two Iowa teachers have just received a prestigious, national award for science and math.

According to the Des Moines Register, Gilbert Elementary kindergarten teacher Angie Bonthuis and Sarah Borzo, who leads education and outreach for Metro Waste Authority, just received The Presidential Awards for Excellence (aka PAEMST). The award is the "highest award kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers can receive from the U.S. government," according to a White House news release. Bonthuis got her award for excellence in teaching mathematics, while Borzo was honored for her work in science.

To be considered for these awards you not only have to show excellence, but you have to apply. The Register reports that Bonthius showcased her teaching style, which involves "individualizing learning for each student and building on their strengths " through videos during the application process. Bonthius thought she was being considered when the Secret Service contacted her about a background check. Despite that, she was still "shocked" to find out that she actually won!

According to the Register, a Department of Education's news release showed that Borzo has worked for South Sioux City Middle School in Nebraska, and South Middle School in Waukee, Iowa. It also states that her position with the "Metro Waste Authority includes 'designing and delivering environmental education to' kindergarteners through 12th-graders across central Iowa.

Along with the awards, Bonthius and Borzo also got some praise from President Joe Biden. Congrats to these two amazing educators!