Upper School Science Chair Carla Guarraia Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching
Congratulations to Upper School Science Chair Carla Guarraia on receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching!
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a Kindergarten through Grade 12 science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Only one teacher per state is recognized each year, making Carla the only teacher selected in all of Maryland — an extremely competitive region.
“The Presidential Award is a motivating affirmation that science education is valued, and that thoughtful educators abound across the country! Additionally, as the writing I did for the process of consideration used lessons from Core10, the award is further confirmation that the approach we are building in our Core program is not only something we believe in, but is also viewed as best-practice by a prestigious committee of science teachers. I am most excited about the opportunity to meet other awardees and to share their ideas and experiences with my students and school.”
Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
Awardees also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout the nation. Since 1983, more than 5,500 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the Nation’s teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement.
Carla is the chair of the Upper School science department. She is an advisor to the Beekeeping Club, the International Student-led Arctic Monitoring and Research (ISAMR) program, and the Hiking and Camping Club, and develops Wellness programming.
After earning her Ph.D. in molecular biology and conducting research in chemical and biological engineering, Carla did a brief stint in industry studying nanoparticles for drug delivery. She then turned to teaching, starting out at another area school in Baltimore. After visiting a Beekeeping Club event at Park, Carla decided she wanted to work here. “Now, I’m the best version of myself, doing research and developing programs that I believe in, supporting students and seeing how their unique experiences can lead to innovative changes that make our world a better place.”
Carla has a B.S. in Biology/Chemistry Interdisciplinary Studies from Loyola University in Maryland, and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at University of Maryland Baltimore County.
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