BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS women continue to dominate the academic arena in the twin-island Federation, another Kittitian has done herself and country [especially Sandy Pointers] proud when she was bestowed a Presidential Award in the US Virgin Islands (USVI).
Twenty-one-year veteran elementary education teaching professional Jennifer Bennett-Norford was among 26 national recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Bennett-Norford, who is classified as gifted and talented, teaches fifth and sixth grade pupils at the Ulla F. Muller Elementary School on St. Thomas, USVI, and has been doing so for some 10 years in that territory.
According to a release from the territory’s Department of Education, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level Science and Mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates, going either to Science and Mathematics teachers in grades K through six (as it is this year) or to those teaching in grades seven through 12.
The release states that in announcing this year’s recipients, President Barack Obama said, “There is no higher calling than furthering the educational advancement of our nation’s young people and encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders. These awards represent a heartfelt salute of appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others and in doing so have helped us all.”
It added that winners of the Presidential Teaching Award receive $10 000 awards from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a White House awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.
Bennett-Norford, who was nominated for the prestigious award by one of her colleagues, said, “Mrs. Phyllis Bryan saw my excellent teaching and nominated for the recognition. I was a bit hesitant after I saw the application process because I am currently performing my doctoral studies, and hard pressed for time. However, I decided to give it a try.
She also declared that the process was rigorous and the criteria entailed being a highly qualified teacher, the submission of an unedited videotaped Science lesson, the completion of five essays, and a FBI background check.
The Sandy Pointer informed that her teaching philosophy encompasses an eclectic approach.
“Each child is different, so there is no one method to teach all students. The teacher must be able to use the best researched strategies to reach to all students making sure none are left behind. I believe in making sure the visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner has a chance to excel in my classroom. Students in my classroom have engaged in projects, power point presentations, research papers, used computer programmes, have been assessed in different ways, and excel on standardised tests.
“This prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science was awarded to me as a result of my excellent teaching in Science. It has placed me among the nation’s top Science educators. I am extremely elated to have been chosen by the National Science Foundation and to have the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science bestowed upon me. Last year, I was a finalist for the district’s Teacher of the Year Award, but now I have the icing on the cake for getting national recognition from the National Foundation of Science and President Barack Obama,” she said.
In expressing her sentiments after receipt of the award, Bennett-Norford thanked her Muller family; parents; pupils; husband Frederick Norford, Esq.; and son Jehran for their support.
Before migrating to the USVI, Jennifer Bennett-Norford was a teacher at the Sandy Point Primary School, and one of her pupils, VonDez Phipps, a reporter at SKNVibes, said he was proud of her achievement and noted “she is an excellent role model”.
“Ms. Bennett was one of my first teachers in primary school, and although I was very young it was clear that she was committed to the academic development of all of her students, irrespective of their family background. Today, I salute her as a sterling ambassador of Sandy Point and wish her bliss and success in all future endeavours.”
