For Immediate Release: March 10, 2021
Contact: Charles Pyle (804) 371-2420
RICHMOND — Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane today announced Virginia’s finalists for the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award — regarded as the nation’s top honor for math and science teachers — recognizes educators who develop and implement high-quality instructional programs that improve student learning in mathematics and science.
The commonwealth’s four finalists — who were selected by review committees convened by the Virginia Department of Education — are as follows:
- Tracy Cabacoy, a mathematics resource teacher at Providence Elementary in Fairfax County;
- Tracey Curcio, a mathematics specialist at Elizabeth Scott Elementary in Chesterfield County;
- Whitney Wells-Corfield, a mathematics teacher at South Anna Elementary in Hanover County; and
- Cathleen McGarvey, a science teacher at Stony Mill Elementary in Danville.
“Our four finalists are known in their schools and communities as leaders and educators dedicated to academic excellence and the success of all their students,” Lane said. “Each of them has maintained this unwavering dedication during this past year, despite the challenges of the pandemic and regardless of whether they were teaching in person or remotely.”
The National Science Foundation administers the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program on behalf of the White House. The award alternates annually between teachers in grades K-6 and teachers in grades 7-12.
Later this year, a national review committee will review the applications of the finalists from each state, U.S. territory and state-level education system. The White House will announce the winners of the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2021.
Awardees each receive a $10,000 unrestricted award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate and a trip to the nation’s capital for a series of recognition events and professional development activities.
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