Tomball ISD Science Teacher Named PAEMST State Finalist

AUSTIN - Honored for her ability to inspire a love of learning in science and continue to educate all students at a high-level, Tomball Intermediate School sixth grade teacher Shatara White was one of three science teachers in the State of Texas named PAEMST Award Finalist, announced by the Texas Education Agency.

The 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

White goes above and beyond for her students with innovative thinking and learning and for that, she was recognized among the elite in science teaching.

Texas PAEMST State Finalists:

Science

• Shatara White - Tomball Intermediate (Tomball ISD)
• Denise Carvin - Radiant STEM Academy (Irving, TX)
• Cheri Palmer - iUniversity Prep in Grapevine (Colleyville ISD)

Math

• Nicole Davis - Pioneer Crossing Elementary (Manor ISD)
• Kate Duncan - Robert L. Puster Elementary (Lovejoy ISD)
• Jessica Garza - Williams Elementary (Pasadena ISD)

Shatara White, a sixth grade science teacher at TIS, was recognized as a Science finalist. 

Samora Davis, Tomball Intermediate School Principal
“Ms. White has demonstrated leadership on our campus this year by leading her team to success and building great relationships with parents and students. Ms. White should be recognized for her efforts as a science teacher because she pushes students to think critically and take ownership of their own learning. There is a consistent, high level of student engagement daily in her class and this not only occurs on lab days, but also during direct instruction or small group instruction. She finds ways for students to connect real world elements to what they are learning in the classroom, and this approach helps students analyze, evaluate, and synthesize their knowledge of science concepts.”

Jennifer Adams, Tomball ISD Director of Science
“Shatara is an amazing teacher and is so worthy of this honor. She is dedicated to each and every one of her students and is always seeking out new and inventive ways to help them to succeed. Working with her team, she leads by example, always giving 110% to make sure that not only her student’s needs are met, but her team members as well. I am so proud to have Shatara as a member of the Tomball ISD science team.”

White becomes the fourth science state finalist from Tomball ISD in the last five years, joining Allison Bearden (grade 6 from OIS in 2017-2018), Markaela van Putten (Biology from THS in 2018-2019), and Kelli Abueita (grade 5 from CES in 2019-2020). Tomball ISD has also had three math finalists since 2018-2019. 

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ABOUT PAEMST
PAEMST is considered the highest recognition a math or science teacher may receive for exemplary teaching in the United States. 

To achieve recognition through this program, a teacher first must apply to enter the competition or be nominated for the award. A state panel consisting of master teachers, content specialists, and administrators reviews the applications and selects the most outstanding mathematics and science teachers for the National Science Foundation to consider for national awardee status. 

For additional information about the PAEMST program, visit www.paemst.org. 

ABOUT TOMBALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 20,500 students at 22 campuses.