VVUSD Teacher Announced PAEMST Finalist

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced 10 nominations for outstanding secondary mathematics and science teachers as finalists for the 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Among the finalists was Mr. Michael Towne. Michael Towne is a physics and engineering teacher at Citrus Hill High School and has been teaching for 13 years. Towne helped design and implement an aquaponics program, which won the Golden Bell Award for innovative programs in 2013. That same year he spoke before congress advocating for increased access to AP Physics. Towne was awarded the Fishman Prize in 2014. “Mr. Towne is an extremely gifted and passionate educator! Our students and teachers benefit from his wisdom and his infectious spirit. The Val Verde community is extremely proud of Mr. Towne’s accomplishments and wish him well as he advances in this prestigious competition,” said Superintendent Michael R. McCormick. The National Science Foundation administers this awards program on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Schools, and the U.S. territories.