Philbrick teacher finalist for Presidential award

BOSTON – Boston Public Schools (BPS) teacher Erin Flynn is one of three finalists from Massachusetts for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Ms. Flynn, of Natick, is a science specialist at the John D. Philbrick  Elementary School in Roslindale.

Established in 1983, the PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. These awards represent the highest award a kindergarten – grade 12 math or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

“Ms. Flynn’s success at bringing science to life for students in the elementary grades is commendable and we congratulate her on being a finalist for this prestigious award,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “Hands-on science learning in the younger grades helps students develop the observational and analytical skills – as well as the love of science – that will enable them to succeed in the sciences as they move on to middle and high school.”

Massachusetts Commissioner of Education Mitchell Chester and Secretary of Education Paul Reville honored Ms. Flynn and the other two finalists at a special ceremony held recently at the State House.

Ms. Flynn has taught at the Philbrick for five years and in BPS for eight years. In 2008, she received the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence for her innovative approach to helping students explore science topics through applied experiments. Ms. Flynn also published an article in the National Science Teachers Association journal Science and Children, featuring the work of the Philbrick Science Showcase. The family event celebrates students’ science learning and highlights the school’s ongoing partnership with the Boston Nature Center.

Ms. Flynn is the second BPS teacher in as many years to be selected as a state finalist for the PAEMST. Last year, Matthew Anthes-Washburn, a physics teacher at Boston International High School, was selected as the Massachusetts recipient of the award and joined teachers from across the country in Washington, D.C. for a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.

Photo Caption: Massachusetts Commissioner of Education Mitchell Chester (left) joins Secretary of Education Paul Reville (right) to recognize science teacher Erin Flynn (center) as one of the state-level finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).