NSU University School Teacher Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla., July 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- President Barack Obama named 108 mathematics and science teachers across the United States as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.  Carlos Montero, a teacher at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) University School, was among those honored.  Montero currently teaches honors and AP chemistry in grades 9-12. He also serves as the chair of the science department for grades 6-12. 

This year's awardees represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools. The educators will receive their awards at a Washington, D.C. event later this summer.

"Nova Southeastern University is honored to have one of our outstanding teachers recognized with this Presidential Award. Carlos Montero is an example of academic excellence, one of the core values of our university," said Dr. George Hanbury, President of Nova Southeastern University.

"We are extremely proud to have Carlos as part of our NSU University School Staff," said William Kopas, Head of School at NSU University School. "His leadership and innovative approaches to teaching science is propelling our students toward success. " 

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates between K-6 teachers and those teaching grades 7-12.  

Montero's career was forever changed when he encountered Modeling Instruction for Science Education. In his classroom, students learn science by doing science. Montero conducts summer workshops to introduce teachers to Modeling Instruction – he enjoys the interaction with teachers and has started STEM Teachers South Florida to facilitate the sharing of best practices among colleagues. He also serves on the Executive Board of the American Modeling Teachers Association.

Montero holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Pennsylvania State University, as well as teaching certificates in chemistry and gifted education. He earned National Board Certification in 2008.

Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also are invited to Washington, DC, for an awards ceremony, as well educational and celebratory events, and visits with members of the Administration.

The President's proposed STEM Master Teacher Corps aims to leverage the expertise of some of our nation's best and brightest teachers in science and mathematics to elevate the teaching of these subjects nationwide. 

To learn more about all the award recipients, please visit: https://recognition.paemst.org

About Nova Southeastern University: Located in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a dynamic research institution dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and first-professional degree levels. A private, not-for-profit institution with more than 24,000 students, NSU has campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Miramar, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Tampa, Florida, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico, while maintaining a presence online globally. For more than 50 years, NSU has been awarding degrees in a wide range of fields, while fostering groundbreaking research and an impactful commitment to community. Classified as a research university with "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU is 1 of only 37 universities nationwide to also be awarded Carnegie's Community Engagement Classification, and is also the  largest private, not-for-profit institution in the United States that meets the U.S. Department of Education's criteria as a Hispanic-serving Institution.

About University School of Nova Southeastern University: University School is a junior kindergarten through twelfth grade, independent college preparatory school that provides a challenging and personalized education within a supportive environment for students of average to gifted abilities. Our students are prepared for productive lives and leadership roles through a program that focuses on academic excellence, extracurricular participation and service to others. For more information visit www.uschool.nova.edu.

SOURCE Nova Southeastern University