greeley>> An educator at Early College Academy recently won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Math teacher Sidney Cerise became one of 336 teachers nationwide to receive the prestigious honor — the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, as it serves as a reminder of the hard work, dedication and passion that drives me every day in the classroom,” Cerise said in a Greeley-Evans School District 6 news release.

The distinction awards winners with “$10,000, a paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a certificate signed by U.S. President Joe Biden,” according to the release.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teacher, established in 1983, requires candidates to demonstrate “deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments” in the application process, District 6 reported.

“Sidney exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, caring and excellent educator who helps motivate her students to truly learn and understand the content. She makes learning relevant and fun for her students,” District 6 Superintendent Deirdre Pilch said. “We are so proud of Sidney, and she is very deserving of this recognition.”

Cerise taught math at Franklin Middle School from 2013 to 2018.

She moved to Early College Academy to work as a math teacher.

— Greeley Tribune