Kat-Lewisboro Ed Board Fetes Teacher’s Achievement

CROSS RIVER, N.Y. – The Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education passed a resolution Thursday night formally recognizing the accomplishments of John Jay High School science teacher Frank Noschese, who was named a Presidential Award winner for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching this past summer.

Noschese was among 97 teachers from across the nation and one of only two from New York to earn the recognition from President Barack Obama.

The resolution read, in part, “The Board of Education acknowledges with great pride that the Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District has an excellent teaching staff whereas a professional commitment of educating the students…results in excellent opportunities. Frank Noschese exemplifies such a commitment by his professionalism and attention to success of the students.”

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is an annual honor presented to outstanding educators who are selected by a panel of scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. As a winner, Noschese received a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and was invited to an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events in Washington, D.C.

Noschese told the board his time in Washington was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He said the award winners weren’t able to meet with President Obama because he had to fly to Colorado due to the wildfires taking place at the time. They were able to meet with Vice President Joe Biden.

Noschese said although he was named the recipient of the award, it was a team effort and he cited his fellow teachers and the administration for supporting him in his efforts.

“It’s just good teaching,” he said. “I didn't think it was anything special and was kind of surprised that I won it. I hope the district continues down this path supporting the teachers.”

Noschese has taught physics at the school for 14 years and also has taught chemistry and astronomy. He recently was invited to speak at TEDxNYED, a conference for teachers to share their insights about the future of education. He led a presentation about modeling instruction in science titled, “Learning Science by Doing Science.” He also has been featured on MSNBC.com and CUNY-TV, and quoted in The Economist, The New York Times and USA Today. Noschese is a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Modeling Teachers Association.

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