Presidential Award presented to Linda King
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King was one of only 194 teachers nationwide, and four teachers in Tennessee, to receive the prestigious award. She became the first teacher from Warren County ever to do so. The award is the nation’s highest award for science and math teachers. It was established by the White House in 1983 and is administered by the National Science Foundation.
“I’m overwhelmed still,” said King, who has been teaching math for 25 years. “This is one of those almost life-changing events that I will never forget.”
Up to four winners from each state, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and U.S. territories can be chosen each year for the award in the categories of elementary mathematics, elementary science, secondary mathematics and secondary science.
To receive the award, King first had to be nominated by high school principal George Bolding in August 2000. She then had to complete a grueling application process in which she had to document her teaching philosophy, performance and methods, background and experience, formal education and professional and non-professional activities.
Last May, she was picked by a state selection committee as one of three finalists for the secondary math teacher award. A national selection committee comprised of distinguished mathematicians and educators then selected King from the field of state finalists. Their recommendation was then forwarded to the White House, which made the final selection.
Bolding said the award is a great honor and indicated school officials will create a permanent display at the school to honor King.
“It’s not every day a high school in rural Tennessee has a teacher to win this,” Bolding said. “We knew what a great teacher she was when we recommended her and are pleased others agreed. It is a great honor for her, a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.”
King was told about the award a week and a half ago. Last Tuesday she, along with her husband Barry, were on their way to Washington D.C. for five days – all expenses paid – to accept her award.
“It was wonderful,” she said. “We were all treated like royalty.”
The honored teachers received their awards, including certificates signed personally by President Bush, at the JFK Center for the Performing Arts. The group also had a photo opportunity with Vice President Dick Cheney, listened to a Nobel prize recipient and attended a banquet at the State Department. It was here, King noted, that she tried caviar for the first time. “It’s really not that good,” she said.
King said she could not pick one favorite activity from the five-day event as they were all so wonderful. The best aspect, she said, was the feeling of appreciation she received. “That was the best part, how appreciated they made us feel. Teachers are sometimes overlooked, but they made it clear they appreciate what we do.”
Appreciation was also shown the teachers by way of grants for their classroom. They will each receive $7,500 to use in their rooms however they choose. King said she hasn’t decided how she will spend every penny of the money yet, but that she will certainly enhance the technology in her classroom by upgrading her computer and purchasing a digital camera, among other things.
Ty Slatton, a senior at the high school and student of King’s for two years, said he was glad she was chosen for the award. “She really does deserve it. She’s an awesome teacher,” Slatton said.