RICHMOND — A Richmond teacher has been selected to receive a 2015 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Collegiate School science teacher Stewart Williamson, and 107 other science and math teachers from across the country, will receive a certificate signed by President Obama.
“The award itself is a confirmation of what I believe to be true about teaching – creativity works,” Williamson said. “I certainly could not have even come close to earning this recognition without my colleagues.”
Williamson is entering his second year at Collegiate School, where he teaches physics. Head of School Steve Hickman praised Williamson’s commitment to students and his value of science.
“Stew’s teaching represents the very best of what this award celebrates, and we could not be more proud of him,” Hickman said. “His innovative teaching methods reflect an authentic and unwavering commitment to providing a learning environment that ignites a young person’s passion for the study of science.”
Before his tenure at Collegiate, Williamson taught at Peoples Academy in Morrisville, Vermont. Peoples Academy nominated him for the award.
During his eight years there he taught chemistry, physics and forensics and collaborated with colleagues on expansive initiatives that he credits with helping him achieve this recognition.
“One was called TASS – Teaching All Secondary Students – through which we learned about differentiation, student voice, and alternative assessments,” Williamson said. “(We tried) new techniques of student engagement to remove the busy work that sometimes comes in science classes and really focused on the key pieces of the curriculum.”
Williamson will receive a trip to Washington D.C. to participate in a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and $10,000.
