Paw Paw teacher is state finalist for national science & math teaching award
by Kate Shunney
Paw Paw science teacher Megan Bennett has been chosen as one of three state finalists in the running for the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
That national award carries with it the prestige of the recognition by the National Science Foundation (NSF), a $10,000 award, plus professional development opportunities and a chance to advise policymakers about how to improve science education.
photo courtesy of Paw Paw Schools
Currently, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching has been paused as of July 18, 2025 pending a “comprehensive review of the programs” by the National Science Foundation, which administers the program on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Despite the pause that will suspend selection of winners, Bennett was honored in October at the West Virginia Science Teachers Association conference for being a finalist. The two other finalists are Margie Suder of Marion County and Dayna Juraschek of Jefferson County. All three were recognized for their work and status as finalists for the national award.
According to the National Science Foundation, more than 5,200 awardees have been chosen since the award program was established by Congress in 1983.
“Each year, up to 110 outstanding educators from across the country may be recognized by the White House for their passion, dedication and impact in the classroom,” the award page says.
Bennett is in her 10th year of teaching science. All of her teaching career has been in Paw Paw. During that time, she’s led students in many hands-on science and environmental learning opportunities. Most recently, some of her students helped plant paw paw trees in the town’s park. Under her guidance, students also grow tree seedlings to sell or donate in the local area. The effort focuses on ecology and agricultural principles, amplifying the normal science curriculum.
“I feel honored to be recognized as a state finalist and am thankful that I can represent my school and county. I feel that our county and state have many scientist teachers that are deserving of this award. As a teacher at a very small school, I feel that the award brings positive attention to the small schools in our state that are often overlooked due to our smaller populations and limited resources. Students deserve a quality education regardless of the population and resources available to their county or school,” Bennett told The Morgan Messenger.
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