Alamogordo NM
4-22-2025 12:51am

Four New Mexico teachers announced as finalists for presidential teaching award

Four New Mexico teachers are in the running for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), serving as models and inspiration for educators and students across the state.

The finalists are:

  • Alicia Gonzales, Pojoaque Valley Public Schools (math)
  • Marion Markham, Santa Fe Public Schools (science)
  • Demvia Maslian, New Mexico Military Institute (science)
  • Jennifer Webb, East Mountain High School (math)

State finalists represent the most outstanding teachers New Mexico has to offer and serve as both a model and an inspiration to students and fellow teachers. New Mexico’s finalists are honored to be spotlighted.

“This recognition has not only strengthened my confidence but I feel it will also inspire my students to see that hard work and passion can open doors to incredible opportunities,” said Alicia Gonzales, a 25-year veteran math teacher who serves the Pojoaque Valley community. “This process has been a powerful reminder of the impact I've had on my students and colleagues and the deep passion I have for teaching.”

“I know all teachers try to give their best to their students every day,” said Marion Markham, a science teacher at El Dorado Community School in Santa Fe. “It is amazing to be recognized for that hard work.”

“Being recognized as a PAEMST state finalist has not only transformed my teaching philosophy but has also taught me to recognize the potential in each of my students and emphasize this through lessons with real-world applications, reminding me that when we elevate excellent science education, we nurture the next generation of innovators who will solve our world's most pressing challenges,” said Demvia Maslian, an associate professor at the New Mexico Military Institute.

“The application process for the Presidential Award allowed me to reflect deeply on my practices and pushed me to be more intentional in how I foster critical thinking, collaboration and a love of learning,” said Jennifer Webb, a math teacher at East Mountain High School.

Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district-level personnel and classroom teachers recommend up to 108 teachers to receive PAEMST honors.

One to two teachers from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity receive the award.

Educators who are selected as PAEMST national awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional-learning opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and a presidential certificate, and they join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence STEM teaching at the local, state and national levels.

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