The School District of Lancaster proudly celebrates Elyse Minder, mathematics teacher at J.P. McCaskey High School, who has been named one of only six finalists in Pennsylvania for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This distinction places her among the top STEM educators in the Commonwealth, and we are hopeful that the Pennsylvania Department of Education will recognize Elyse and the other finalists at the SAS Institute in Hershey, scheduled for December.
The PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for K–12 teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the program was established by Congress in 1983 to recognize excellence in STEM education. Since then, more than 5,200 educators have been honored for their expertise, leadership, and ability to inspire students. Each year, up to 110 teachers from across the country may be recognized by the White House.
Elyse is dual certified in secondary mathematics and English as a Second Language (ESL). She is currently completing her principal certification and preparing to pursue a doctoral program, while continuing to dedicate herself to classroom teaching. At J.P. McCaskey, she teaches mathematics to all Level 1 English learners within the school’s newcomer program.
Her classroom is highly differentiated to serve a wide range of students, those with limited or interrupted formal schooling as well as students who arrive with strong academic backgrounds from their home countries. In every case, Elyse builds lessons that honor students’ prior knowledge, connect mathematics concepts to real-world contexts, and provide meaningful entry points for all learners.
Central to Elyse’s teaching philosophy is the conviction that a student’s ability to speak or understand English should never determine their access to mathematics. She creates a learning environment where language is not a barrier but a bridge, helping students develop the skills to engage deeply with mathematics while also gaining confidence in English.
PAEMST finalists represent the best of STEM education nationwide. Recipients demonstrate mastery of their subject, a passion for teaching, and the ability to foster student achievement. Many honorees continue their careers in the classroom, while others take on leadership roles in administration, higher education, or professional development. Collectively, they reflect the excellence and dedication of the nation’s STEM teaching corps.
By being named a state finalist, Elyse joins a distinguished group of educators whose work shapes the trajectory of STEM learning in schools and communities. Her recognition reflects both her personal dedication and the collective commitment of McCaskey High School and the School District of Lancaster to ensure equitable access to rigorous, high-quality education.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education hopes to honor the 2025 finalists at the SAS Institute in Hershey this December, with national awardees to be announced by the White House at a later date. We look forward to celebrating Elyse’s continued impact and to the possibility of her being recognized as a national PAEMST awardee.
Please join us in congratulating Elyse Minder for this outstanding recognition. Her work demonstrates that every student can succeed in mathematics and in life.