President Obama honors Cronin
Seward High School math teacher Stephanie Cronin will be honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathemtics and Science Teaching according to an announcement last week by President Obama.
Cronin is one of 97 teachers from across the United States, and one of two from Alaska, to receive the award this year.
“These teachers are the best of the best, and they stand as excellent examples of the kind of leadership we need in order to train the next generation of innovators and help this country get ahead,” wrote Obama in a press release.
After learning she was the recipient of the Presidential award, Cronin said, “I’m humbled and honored. There are a lot of amazing teachers.”
Cronin had not planned on being a mathematics teacher. In fact, when her high school math teacher told her, “You will become a high school math teacher,” her reply was, “No way!” She initially attended college to study fine arts and economics, and went to work in corporate business. During an interview for a job she wanted and wasn’t offered, she was told, “You don’t fit in a cubicle.” Those words caused her to remember Mr. Sellnow’s words from her Hopkins High School mathematics class that she had never forgotten.
“We have a great math teacher who is also a reform leader. Her philosophy of PMA (Positive Math Attitude) engages students in mathematics. Her students truly love her and want to learn,” said Seward High School principal Trevan Walker.
“All of us at KPBSD are thrilled to learn that Ms. Cronin is being recognized in this way. I have observed Stephanie teach on several occasions and have always been impressed by her instruction. The most telling indicator of her effectiveness is how well Ms. Cronin’s students respond to her teaching; they are always engaged in the lesson and are at ease asking questions or seeking help outside of class,” Superintendent Steve Atwater said.
Cronin will travel to Washington, D.C., June 27-29 to accept the Presidential Award, meet other educators, and visit with members of Congress and the administration.