North High's Jeff Grant finalist for Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Jeff Grant, Downers Grove North High science teacher, is one of three finalists in Illinois honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Grant has been teaching at North High for 17 years and teaches AP Biology and Anatomy to junior and senior students.

Grant was recognized as a finalist on November 7 at the Illinois PAEMST finalist award dinner at Fermilab.

"I'm so glad that Jeff received this award," commented Janice Schwarze, principal of North High. "Everyone here at North knows how hard he works, how passionate he is about science, and how much he cares about students, and it is great to see others outside of our building recognize that as well."

"This is in fact the second time that Jeff has been nominated for this prestigious Presidential award, and we're incredibly proud of Jeff for being a finalist," noted Mike Heinz, science department chair. "Jeff is truly a master teacher that leads by what he does and what he accomplishes, not by what he says. He truly creates real-world opportunities for students to engage in the process of 'doing' science."

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching represent the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1983, the President may recognize up to 108 awardees per year. Since the program's inception, more than 4,700 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

For more information about this distinguished national award, visit the PAEMST website.