Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

LAS CRUCES PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Centennial Teacher receives Presidential award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Posted

This month, the White House announced the recipients of the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Melody Hagaman, a computer science teacher at Centennial High School, ranked top two in the state, and was among the 107 teachers in the nation to receive the PAEMST award this year.

Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to honor kindergarten through 12th grade teachers of mathematics and science, including computer science.

“Receiving the Presidential Award is an incredible opportunity to validate the unending support I have received from my mentors, colleagues, administrators, and community—all who share the same vision for our students,” Hagaman said.

For over a decade, Hagaman has dedicated herself to her passion as an educator, teaching science and computer science. She started her career at Picacho Middle School, and has spent the last eight years teaching students at Centennial High School.

“Ms. Hagaman is a prime example of the amazing teachers we have in Las Cruces,” said LCPS Superintendent Dr. Karen Trujillo. “She is an asset to the district and her contributions impact hundreds of students every single year.”

Hagaman stated that the recognition will provide her with a platform to return that support and encouragement to other teachers who share a passion for empowering students through computer science.

Hagaman currently teaches 9th-12th grade Introductory Computer Science, Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles, e-Textiles and Programmable Fashion Design (e-Textiles), and AP Computer Science A. Her work in promoting computer science education has led to the creation of a computer science task force in the district.

Engaging students through cross-curricular lessons is her passion. She developed the e-Textiles course to introduce students from underrepresented groups to the creative side of computer science and physics. Once a year, Hagaman’s classes host a wearable technology fashion show to educate the community on the power of computer programming and to showcase all of the students’ projects.

In her work as a facilitator for Project Growing Up Thinking Scientifically (GUTS), CompThink, and Lighthouse Tapestry, Hagaman leads professional development to help empower other teachers of all courses to incorporate computer science and e-Textiles into their lessons.

As secretary for the New Mexico Computer Science Teachers Association, Hagaman helped organize her state's first two computer science professional development weeks, as well as legislate policy for the local support of computer science educators and students.

Hagaman earned an B.S. in science education from New Mexico State University and an M.S. in science education from Walden University. She is a certified high school science teacher with a specialization in technology instruction. In 2017, she was earned the Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching award.

Recipients of PAEMST receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, along with an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. to assist professional development sessions. Recipients also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-announces-presidential-excellence-awards-science-mathematics-engineering-080320/

Melody Hagaman, Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

X