Education alum and teacher selected as state finalist for Presidential Award

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Janice Kato, a graduate of Western Michigan University's elementary education program, has been selected as a state finalist for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Announced by the Michigan Department of Education on May 9, the award is considered the highest honor in the country for K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers.

"Michigan and its students are fortunate to have so many dedicated and talented teachers,” said Dr. Michael F. Rice, Michigan's State Superintendent, in a press release announcing the state's four finalists. “We salute these great educators and wish them the best of luck at the national level this year."

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program is run by the National Science Foundation for the White House. The president can recognize up to 110 outstanding teachers annually and winners each get a $10,000 award from the foundation, a presidential certificate and participate in recognition events and professional development in Washington D.C.

Kato, a kindergarten teacher at Birch Run Area Schools, was nominated for excellence in teaching mathematics. In her classroom, she is continuously researching and redesigning her teaching practice for young learners to improve their mathematical understanding. Outside of school, Kato is a local coordinator for Youth For Understanding USA. The non-profit organization promotes intercultural understanding, global skills and social responsibility through educational exchange programs that have a transformative impact.

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