Williamsport Elementary School 4th/5th grade STEM Magnet Teacher Kimberlie Grabenstein is one of six finalists from Maryland for the prestigious 2024 Presidential Awards of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for K-6th grade. The PAEMST are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.

Grabenstein has been teaching at WCPS for 13 years. She has been a WCPS Teacher of the Year nominee four times and a finalist for the honor twice. Her teaching philosophy involves engaging students in real-life problems to help them think critically towards solutions. She has also been a member of curriculum-writing teams for elementary science, math, and Magnet/Gifted and Talented Education math.

Grabenstein says, "I teach to inspire our students to think of new, innovative solutions that will help the ever-changing global society in a positive way." 

A national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district level personnel, and classroom teachers recommends teachers to receive the PAEMST. Up to two honorees, mathematics or science, from each state receive the award, which recognizes teachers who have both deep content knowledge as well as the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those subjects.

Recipients of the award receive:

• A certificate signed by the President of the United States
• An all-expense paid trip to a recognition event and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation