Third Grade Teacher Named State Finalist for Presidential Award

Submitted by Erin Dunsey, Peoria Unified School District.

Heritage Elementary Teacher, Cindy Piano, was recently named as a state finalist in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is the nation’s highest recognition a K-8 mathematics or science teacher may receive for their outstanding service in the United States.

Since the inception of the program in 1983, more than 4,100 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom. For complete details regarding the application process, click here.

As a state finalist, The Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA) will recognize Piano in December at the ASTA social on Thursday, Dec. 6. Finalists are announced by the President of the United States in the Spring of 2013.

“It is a great honor, as well as exciting, to be a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching,” said Piano. “I am so proud to be a part of Heritage Elementary’s STEM program and to work with such talented students.”

The Peoria Unified School District, located in the West Valley, serves more than 36,000 students in 32 elementary schools, 7 high schools and one alternative school. With ongoing open enrollment and alternative educational opportunities, the District boasts a 93 percent high school graduation rate. Peoria Unified is one of the largest unified school districts in Arizona and prides itself on excelling schools, award-winning teachers, high AIMS test scores, specialized signature programs and championship sports programs. The Vision of the Peoria Unified School District is “Every student, every day, prepared to meet tomorrow.”