CROSS RIVER, N.Y. – Frank Noschese, a teacher at John Jay High School in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District, has been selected as a New York State finalist in science for the 2011 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)Noschese, who is in his 14th year of teaching in the district, currently teaches college prep physics and AP physics C, and will lead a Chemistry 2 class in the spring.PAEMST is the highest recognition that a K-12 math or science instructor can receive for outstanding teaching in the U.S. It honors teachers for their contribution to teaching and their ability to help students make progress in math and science. The award is administrated by the Math and Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.Noschese said his educational philosophy is that students learn best when they are actively engaged in physics through activities such as reading, discussing, experimenting and solving problems. He places more emphasis on creating experiences that encourage students to develop their own understanding of physics and how the universe works.A National Board Certified Teacher, Noschese is a member of the Science Teacher Association of New York State, National Science Teachers Association, American Association of Teachers Association, and American Modeling Teachers Association, for which he was elected to the board of directors as a member at large. He also contributes to The Physics Teacher, a magazine of the American Association of Physic Teachers.Winners will be announced in April 2012. Recipients receive a citation signed by the president of the United States, a paid trip for two to Washington D.C. to attend a series of events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.Do you have student in one of Mr. Noschese's classes? Tell us about it. Join the discussion and leave your comment below.

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