C-Falls teacher in running for math awards

A Columbia Falls teacher is in the running for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Kami Heinz, a Glacier Gateway Elementary teacher, was selected as one of seven state finalists out of 24 applicants.

Administered through the White House, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are honors given to kindergarten- through 12th-grade teachers.

State finalists completed a rigorous application process that incorporated video footage of classroom lessons along with written documentation of impacts of their teaching methodology on student achievement.

Finalists’ applications will now be reviewed by a national panel of scientists and mathematicians. 

One math teacher and one science teacher will be selected from the seven finalists to receive the prestigious award.

Other Montana finalists include teachers from Bozeman, Lolo and Helena schools. State finalists will be recognized at an awards dinner in the fall.