Amanda McLean, Science teacher at William Lenoir Middle School, has been named one of five finalists for the 2010 North Carolina Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and recognized as one of only two teachers selected statewide in the area of science.

"For me, teaching is about making connections for my students that allow the curriculum to come alive," said McLean. "I strive for a rigorous and meaningful curriculum which is relevant to the students' lives, tailored to meet the diverse needs of students and creates an engaging and meaningful structure for learning the ways science impacts the world."

With 20 years experience in teaching, McLean earned both her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Masters Degree in Middle School Math from Appalachian State University. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher.

More than 600 North Carolina teacher applicants were reviewed for the 2010 statewide finalist selection. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program is the nation's highest honor for mathematics and science teachers. This national award -administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation - recognizes outstanding mathematics and science teachers across the United States for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the program is to expand and exemplify the definition of excellent science and mathematics teaching. 

McLean and four other K-6 mathematics and science teacher finalists in North Carolina will compete for the National Award. A national selection committee will review the applications of the state-level finalists and make recommendations to the National Science Foundation. The announcement of the 2010 PAEMST National Awardees will come from The White House in 2011.

2010 NC Finalists for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
- Amanda Northrup, K-6 Mathematics, Riverbend Elementary, Haywood County Schools
-  Rebecca Pearce, K-6 Mathematics, Sternberger Elementary, Guilford County Schools
-  Penelope Shockley, K-6 Mathematics, Ephesus Road Elementary, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
-  Zebetta King, K-6 Science, Swift Creek Elementary, Wake County Schools
-  Amanda McLean, K-6 Science, William Lenoir Middle, Caldwell County Schools