Schools / Fairfax / January 16, 2025

South Lakes Math Teacher Earns Nation’s Highest STEM Teaching Honor

South Lakes High School math teacher Emily Burrell was among 336 educators and mentors nationwide honored by President Joe Biden on Jan. 16, 2025, for excellence in mathematics, science...

By Tysons Times Staff

Emily and her students write on the whiteboard — Burrell and her students working on a math problem. Photo: FCPS News / archived source image

Coverage area: Fairfax
Section: Schools
Published: January 16, 2025
Topics: schools, fairfax, transportation

Article Text

South Lakes High School math teacher Emily Burrell was among 336 educators and mentors nationwide honored by President Joe Biden on Jan. 16, 2025, for excellence in mathematics, science and STEM mentoring.

Burrell was recognized through the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring programs.

Established in 1983, the teaching award is the highest federal honor available to K-12 mathematics and science teachers. Congress created the mentoring award in 1995 to recognize people who help broaden participation in STEM fields.

The honors highlight the role teachers and mentors play in preparing future scientists, engineers, explorers, innovators and other technical leaders.

Burrell’s recognition also aligns with Fairfax County Public Schools’ strategic goal of helping students graduate with the skills to adapt, innovate and thrive after high school.

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