SE Valley Times

Kristi Peterson, a math instructional coach and teacher at Mesquite High School, has received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This award is presented by the Executive Office of the President of the United States and is considered the highest honor that a kindergarten through 12th-grade science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher can achieve in the U.S. Each year, up to 110 educators nationwide are recognized by the White House for their commitment and impact in education.

Peterson has devoted 31 years to teaching, with 22 of those years spent within Gilbert Public Schools. She is currently in her third year at Mesquite High School after previously teaching at Gilbert High School.

“I’m completely overwhelmed by the honor of earning this award,” said Kristi Peterson. “I’ve spent my whole career trying to improve as an educator. This is a testament to the people in my life who have helped me become the best teacher I can be.”

Presidential Awardees receive several benefits: a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and an all-expenses-paid trip for an award ceremony. They also join a national group of award-winning teachers with opportunities to influence teaching both locally and nationally.

The PAEMST alternates annually between recognizing elementary and secondary school teachers. Over recent years when secondary school teachers were eligible (2019, 2021, and 2023), faculty from Gilbert Public Schools have been honored with this award. In 2019, Lynnea Bahm from GPS won the PAEMST while Karen Maas from Gilbert Classical Academy was a top state finalist in 2021. Kristi Peterson was also named a state finalist in 2023.