President Biden honors Medlin’s Kristy Butler with Presidential Award for Excellence

Following a rigorous vetting process, President Joe Biden has named Medlin Middle School advanced math teacher Kristy Butler as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). 

The honor, the top federal recognition of its kind for a math and science teacher, follows Mrs. Butler’s selection as one of just three state finalist nominees by the Texas State Board of Education during the 2020-2021 school year. Established by Congress in 1983 as the highest honor specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science teaching as bestowed by the United States government, the president annually provides the recognition to up to 108 teachers. 

This year, Mrs. Butler is among only 102 teachers across the entire nation recognized with the PAEMST. 

“The Presidential Award has been an opportunity to inspire and celebrate my teaching career,” Mrs. Butler said. “I am honored and fortunate to have chosen such a rewarding profession. My inspiration is to continue to use a growth mindset, build innovative lessons, and make learning memorable. My gratitude goes to the students and colleagues who have made such an impact and taught me so much throughout the years.”

Mrs. Butler’s recognition marks just the second time in Northwest ISD history that one of its educators has received PAEMST honors. Beck Elementary School’s Kathy Skinner earned the honor as part of the 2004 awarding class for K-6 mathematics, the same category in which Mrs. Butler received the honor.

Nominees complete a rigorous application process that requires they demonstrate deep content knowledge and show their ability to adapt to a broad range of students and teaching environments.

A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national levels assess the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.

With 16 years of total teaching experience, Mrs. Butler has served Medlin Mustang students for the past three years. In that short period of time, Mrs. Butler has been named Medlin’s Staff of the Month twice by her peers and was also nominated as Exemplar Educator of the Year for two consecutive years.

Mrs. Butler earned her bachelor’s degree in middle school mathematics education from Texas Christian University and obtained a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction in mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is certified in mathematics education and English as a second language.

The National Science Foundation provides each PAEMST recipient with a $10,000 award and a certificate signed by the president. For more information about the program, please visit the PAEMST website.