Christy Maupin

For some teachers it is only a dream. For Steve Willott it has become a reality. On June 7 Willott, who teaches Advanced Placement Statistics and Calculus, was recognized as being one of the top 103 teachers in the nation. He received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) earlier this summer. This prestigious award is given only to two teachers (one for math and one for science) in each state across the country.

When Willott was notified that he had won he could only react with disbelief.

In the history of Francis Howell North there has only been one other winner of this award: Paula Young, a science teacher at the time. Young won in 2005, and was actually the person who nominated Willott for the PAEMST award.

“I nominated him because he helped mentor me when I was trying to get my National Board Certification, he really helped me, and I thought it would be nice to return the favor,” Young said. “He is very deserving, and I’m glad he’s carrying on the tradition for North.”

Along with winning this award Willott will receive a certificate from President Obama, National Science Foundation, $10,000 award and an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. for him and his wife where he will attend various award ceremonies including a Congressional meeting and meetings with other science agency leaders.

“It will be cool to meet the President, and I’m pretty excited to get to talk to people in D.C.,” Willott said. “The presidential award is an amazing honor for something I love to do–teach.”