Two Olathe teachers have won the highest award for science and math teachers in the United States.
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching recognizes two teachers each year from every state. A panel of scientists, mathematicians, and educators select the winners, who receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
Olathe educators took home both Kansas awards this year. JeremiWonch won for her contributions to middle school science and Patrick Flynn for high school math.
Over the past five years, Wonch has used hands on learning and group problem solving as a seventh grade science teacher and Science Olympiad coach at Indian Trail Middle School. She has taught for more than 26 years.
Patrick Flynn has taught math for 20 years, the last seven at Olathe East High School. He serves as a mentor to teachers locally and nationally, sharing what he has learned about integrating technology into his classroom and promoting student collaboration. Flynn also writes online activities that align with episodes of the CBS television show NUMB3RS.
Wonch and Flynn will travel to Washington later this summer for an awards ceremony.