David Ferris has been recognized with the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching from the National Science Foundation. The Presidential Awards are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of math and science.
Applicants undergo a rigorous process for selection and are assessed by a panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the national level. Ultimately, teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
Ferris
In 2017, Ferris was named an Indiana state finalist for the Presidential Award and a Teacher of the Year for Noblesville Schools. He’s been a math teacher at NHS since 1983 and currently teaches AP Statistics, a course that he personally launched. He also supports other NHS math and science teachers by serving as an instructional coach and the chair of the NHS math department.
“Dave’s mastery of content, ability to bring abstract math concepts to life through authentic examples and emphasis on continuous improvement have made him an inspirational and respected leader among his fellow educators at NHS and beyond,” said Dr. Beth Niedermeyer, superintendent of Noblesville Schools. “He builds strong relationships with students and is able to successfully engage them in high-level math analysis. We’re proud to have him as part of our Noblesville Schools team and are excited that he’s earned this most deserving honor.”
In recognition of the achievement, Ferris will receive a $10,000 award and a presidential citation. He’ll travel to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony at the Lincoln Center, a tour of the White House, and scheduled visits to other national highlights such as the Library of Congress and NASA.
“I’m truly grateful for this recognition,” said Ferris. “This honor represents the influence and contributions of dozens of wonderful people including my parents and grandparents who laid the foundation, my teachers who inspired me to teach others, colleagues that helped me build expertise and confidence, and administrators that supported my continued professional development for the last 36 years. I’m thankful for all of them and for the opportunity to share the joy of math with my students every day.”
Following his time in Washington, D.C., Ferris will head to the Bahamas for a previously scheduled hurricane relief work trip before returning to NHS after fall break.