Granite science curriculum specialist Megan Black is among five outstanding Utah educators chosen as state finalists for the nation’s highest honor for K-12 sceince teaching.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching is given to 108 educators in the U.S. each year. The recognition is awarded to those who “serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.”

Megan will now be considered by a selection committee convened by the National Science Foundation, which will recommend up to two finalists in mathematics or science from each state for the award.

“I love teaching science,” Megan said. “It’s all about discovering the world around you, and it builds on a child’s natural curiosity.”

Megan currently provides professional development and coaching to a number of elementary science teachers in the district as part of a three-year science grant. She has been teaching for more than 12 years in schools all across the country.

“We are very excited to have such a high quality educator working with our students,” said Granite science specialist Stephanie Wood.