Proficient Reading:
32%
|
Distinguished Reading:
31%
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Proficient Math:
37%
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Distinguished Math:
28%
|
Fayette County Public Schools boasts not one but two recipients of the latest Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for grades K-6 educators. Hillary McWhorter, formerly of Glendover Elementary, and Nova Pleman of Garden Springs Elementary have earned our country’s highest recognition for K-12 teachers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Awardees receive a certificate signed by the president, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional learning opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
McWhorter, who served in FCPS for 22 years, earned the national award based on her exceptional work in science labs at Glendover in 2022. Most recently, she taught second grade at Glendover. She also previously taught at Tates Creek Elementary.
“Winning the Presidential Award provides me with a lasting sense of accomplishment and validation for my years of dedication to science education,” she said. “Teaching science was an incredible journey, filled with moments of wonder and discovery alongside my students.”
McWhorter has a bachelor’s degree from Hanover College, a master’s from Georgetown College, and Rank I from Green River Regional Educational Cooperative. She currently works for the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) as a state literacy coaching specialist with a focus on structured practices for kindergarten through third grade. While working at KDE, she remains an employee of FCPS.
“My heart will always be with the thrill of igniting a child's curiosity about the natural world,” she said. “While I deeply miss the daily excitement of the elementary science classroom, I am now equally passionate about ensuring that every student in Kentucky has the foundational literacy skills to unlock their full potential – a crucial step towards a brighter future for our state.”
Pleman began her career teaching first and fourth graders in Los Angeles. She later joined FCPS and taught at Glendover, Russell Cave, and Booker T. Washington before moving over to Garden Springs Elementary. She is on a mission to rebrand mathematics as a subject accessible to all and strives to show her students that each one can be a “math person.”
Pleman incorporates real-world contexts and hands-on experiences, transforming the classroom into a bakery to study fractions, a pizzeria to study angles, or a football field to calculate measurements. She also encourages her students to embrace productive struggle.
Pleman has a B.A. in History from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a multiple subject teaching credential from California State University -- San Marcos. She is certified in elementary education and K-12 English as a new language. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher.
“The Presidential Award is an incredible affirmation for me and all those who helped shape me along the way. As a child, I was blessed with caring teachers who really saw and encouraged me. As an educator, I have been fortunate to work alongside wonderful principals, colleagues, and families. I bring all of their influence into the classroom with me as I teach,” Pleman said. “My students are the reason I do what I do. I am honored to play a small part in their life stories, and this award is for them!”
Source: PAEMST