Nancy Pfaff, a teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School in Redmond, has been selected as one of Washington’s state finalists for the 2012 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program.

The PAEMST is the highest recognition a K-12 math or science teacher can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. This is the second time Pfaff has been selected as a state finalist for this award. Her application has now been forwarded to the national selection committee. The White House will announce the results of the national selection process sometime in late spring.

If selected as a national-level finalist, PAEMST recipients receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a weeklong series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, gifts from program sponsors from around the country, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.

As a state finalist, Pfaff will be invited to attend events with the governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn next year. Additionally, she may be recognized by math and science organizations and educational associations.