| August 15, 2007
He’s been recognized as one of the best science teachers in the state. Now, he’s ready to take on the nation.
Eric Johnson, a science teacher at Laguna Creek High School, was named one of two 2007 California State Finalists in Science by the California Department of Education. His next step – competing for a nationwide honor in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program.
“I am extremely proud of Eric for achieving this incredible accomplishment,” said Doug Craig, principal at Laguna Creek High School. “He does an unbelievable job making science relevant and interesting for his students. He is an excellent choice to represent California in this national competition.”
The Presidential Awards are the nation’s highest honor for teaching mathematics or science. Nominees for the award must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a highly qualified teacher;
- Must hold a degree or appropriate credentials in the category for which they are applying;
- Must be a teacher in one of 50 states or four U.S. jurisdictions;
- Must be full-time employees of the school or school district;
- Must have at least 5 years of experience teaching science or mathematics;
- Must teach mathematics or science at the 7th-12th grade level in a public or private school;
- Must indicate which grade(s) they teach and what they teach (science or mathematics); and
- Must not have received the PAEMST Award at the national level in any prior competition or category.
Johnson will be recognized as a state finalist at the California Space Authority’s annual Spotbeam Awards event November 6-7, 2007 in Los Angeles.
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