Dina Claude, math teacher at the Greenville Sixth Grade Center, was nominated for the exclusive Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) award. The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The program was established by Congress in 1983 and authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. The award is the highest recognition a K–12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Dina was “determined not to become a teacher” and have a different occupation than her mom and sister. However, a part-time job in college working with kindergarten students quickly changed her mind. “I loved introducing new things to them, watching them learn and seeing them excited about it.”

Dina grew up in Greenville and graduated from Greenville High School. Upon graduation, Dina attended the University of North Texas where she planned on majoring in Biology. Switching to Education midway through her college years, Dina now enjoys teaching math with a goal of getting “all students involved in thinking outside the box and solving problems that have no set steps to find the solution.”

Aiming for students to think for themselves and to become problem solvers, Dina utilizes a variety of “brain strains” to encourage students to “stretch their brains.” One activity Dina’s students have completed involves living the “life” of an adult. Students drew pieces of paper declaring their profession, marital status, etc. Dina says of the activity, “I have pieces of paper with, for example, Surgeon: $300,000 a year. You are married with 3 kids and 2 dogs. Students receive practice checkbooks from the bank and simulate “life” for a month. They figure out how much they make a month, buy a house and car in their price range and draw a life scenario every day to write checks: Dog hit by car, pay $200 vet bill, etc. They learn (from the students' mouths): It's hard to be an adult. I don't want to grow up. AND: Kids are expensive!”

Utilizing real-world lessons and “brain strains” like the adult simulation activity, Dina continually encourages students to become self-reliant, critical thinkers. Her role in encouraging students to reach their absolute potential makes her more than deserving of the nomination for the PAEMST award.

Recipients of the award receive a trip to Washington, D.C. for the awardee and one guest to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. Recipients also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at the awardee’s discretion.