Exeter​, Amherst Teachers Awarded For STEM Education

EXETER, NC — Teachers at Exeter and Souhegan high Schools were named among this year's recipients of the Presidential Excellence Awards in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Michelle Morton-Curit, who teaches at Exeter, and Susan Downer, of Souhegan High, were both recognized with the award, New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut said in a release on Thursday.

“STEM is a crucial part of every New Hampshire student’s education, and this year’s winners show how much students benefit from having excellent math and science teachers,” Edelblut said in a statement. “I want to congratulate Michelle Morton-Curit and Susan Downer for the difference they make in their classrooms.”

The recipients were chosen from nominations by a panel of top mathematicians, scientists and educators based on their "distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving" STEM education, the release states.

Both recipients will be honored at the 2020 New Hampshire Celebrating Leadership in Education Awards.

The release states Morton-Curit is entering her 25th year at Exeter High School, where she teaches 9th-12th grade algebra and geometry.

“I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Presidential Award and to be included among the many talented mathematics educators who inspire students every day,” Morton-Curit said in a statement. “This award is recognition not only of my accomplishments as an educator, but also of those of the many mentors, colleagues, and students who have been influential in my career. I look forward to more opportunities to reflect and grow so that I can continue to do my part in providing quality mathematics education for all students.”

Downing is also entering her 25th year as a teacher, although she teaches at Souhegan High School in Amherst. She specializes in teaching 10th through 12th grade chemistry courses.

“Receiving the Presidential Award is both confirming and empowering. Being chosen by distinguished colleagues in the field helps validate my passion to have students develop the skills and practices necessary to do scientific inquiry,” Downer said in a statement. “I strongly believe in students ‘doing’ science and hope that I can use this endorsement to empower others to help develop the next generation of scientists.”