MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Carter, Barnett, Branning, Dearing, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ANGELA AUGUST OF TWENTY-EIGHTH STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, FOR BEING AWARDED THE 2018 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING.
WHEREAS, Angela August, a First through Fourth Grade Teacher at Twenty-Eighth Street Elementary School in Gulfport, was awarded the 2018 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in recognition of her hard work and unwavering dedication to providing an excellent education to her students; and
WHEREAS, Angela is among more than 140 teachers nationwide who were honored with this prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education; and
WHEREAS, administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the highest honors bestowed by the United States, specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching; and
WHEREAS, awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity Schools or the United States territories as a group; and
WHEREAS, the award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning, and since the program's inception, more than 4,700 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession; and
WHEREAS, awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities and leaders in the improvement of STEM education, and they receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, a $10,000.00 award from the National Science Foundation, and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation; and
WHEREAS, Angela August has taught First through Fourth Grade for 22 years, 14 of which have been at Twenty-Eighth Street Elementary School, and is currently serving as the Principal. As an Instructional Leader, she has had the opportunity to team teach, plan and model lessons; and
WHEREAS, Angela implements engaging lessons with a focus on mathematical discussions involving problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to discover answers by using a variety of manipulatives and strategies. As the facilitator, she motivates students to discover their answers by using higher-level questions, prompting them to think about different strategies to solve the problems. Teachers, coaches, administrators and state-level visitors have observed Angela's teaching. She has mentored in many capacities, helping teachers and student teachers understand the state standards and implement lessons that require abstract thinking and higher-level discussions. Angela has presented numerous professional development sessions at the school and district level. She has also presented at the national level; and
WHEREAS, "I am honored to receive this prestigious award. I am grateful to my colleagues, administrators, students, family members and community who have inspired me to continue growing and advancing in my field. This award validates that when you have a risk-free environment with high expectations and engaging lessons, all students will not only reach but exceed their potential. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work with amazing students on a daily basis," Angela said; and
WHEREAS, Angela strives daily to provide a quality education and an inclusive environment where her students can grow and nurture their individual talents and creative abilities, and she continually radiates excellence, invigorates with her wisdom and inspires all of her students to be the best they can be; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize an outstanding teacher who has brought honor to her school, her community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Angela August for being awarded the 2018 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and express best wishes for her continued success in all of her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Angela August, forwarded to the Twenty-Eighth Street Elementary School Principal and the Gulfport School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.