Senate Concurrent Resolution 557

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING LAURA BIVINS OF ANN SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN MADISON COUNTY FOR RECEIVING MISSISSIPPI'S 2020 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST SUCH AWARD FROM THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.

WHEREAS, Laura Bivins is one of two Mississippi teachers who earned national recognition as recipients of the 2020 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Laura is a Math Teacher at Ann Smith Elementary in the Madison County School District; and

WHEREAS, established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers can receive from the United States government. Each year, the award criteria alternates years between kindergarten through sixth-grade and seventh-grade through 12th-grade teachers. This year, kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers received the awards. Award recipients over the years represent schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the U.S. territories; and

WHEREAS, nominees complete a rigorous application process which allows them to demonstrate deep content knowledge and their ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national levels assesses the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education; and

WHEREAS, Laura Bivins has been a kindergarten teacher for 28 consecutive years and hopes she will continue teaching kindergarten for years to come! She loves the tremendous amount of growth her young students achieve, and she shares in their unabashed joy as they become fluent readers and confident mathematicians. She currently teaches at Ann Smith Elementary School, and has been there for nine years. Prior to Ann Smith Elementary, she taught at Madison Station Elementary, Kosciusko Lower Elementary, Oak Hill Academy, and Clinton Park Elementary Schools; and

WHEREAS, Laura is known for using developmentally appropriate and engaging lessons and incorporating best practices for young learners. Her classroom operates like a beehive, with students simultaneously participating in hands-on activities. She routinely integrates the arts into her classroom and feels as if this helps her meet each student's individual needs. Laura also works closely with the district mathematics coordinator to plan and implement mathematics centers that are engaging and that help move students forward. She provides early morning STEM Bins for her students to explore thematic STEAM challenges, by which they continue to amaze her with their resourcefulness and their problem-solving abilities; and

WHEREAS, with her district motto being, "Moving the Mark, Mark of Excellence", Laura certainly strives for excellence for her students. Laura was named Ann Smith Elementary's "Teacher of the Year" and Madison County "Teacher of the Year" in 2018. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in kindergarten through eighth-grade remedial reading and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education, both from Mississippi College. Laura is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist; and

WHEREAS, Laura stated, "The Presidential Award is an incredible honor, and validates the time and energy I've put into understanding and implementing mathematics in my classroom. It is simply amazing to be recognized for doing what I love best, educating young children! I strive to build a community of learners within which my students can be confident problem solvers. I am excited to share this award with my colleagues and my family, all of whom have supported my career and my passion for being a lifelong learner":

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 Laura Bivins of Ann Smith Elementary School in Madison County for receiving Mississippi's 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, which is the highest such award from the United States government, and extend to Laura and the Madison County School District our best wishes for continued excellence in education.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Laura Bivins, forwarded to the Madison County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.