Nancy Pfaff, a former sixth-grade math teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School, is one of six teachers from Washington who have been named state-level finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The finalists were selected in June by a statewide selection committee comprised of content area experts and award-winning teachers. The nominations were recently confirmed by the national PAEMST program.

The national PAEMST program typically announces national award recipients in the spring. State-level finalists are recognized by regional and state math and science associations and will be invited to events for Washington’s Exceptional Educators in the next year.

Pfaff, a national board certified teacher, worked as the math teacher in her sixth-grade team and with a smaller group of fourth-sixth-grade students who did not pass the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP). She has been an educator for 35 years and has also worked as a specialist and in a gifted program. She now teaches at Inglewood Middle School in Sammamish.

Horace Mann Principal Megan Spaulding said, “After closely working with Nancy and observing her professional expertise, I can truly say she is one of education’s best.”