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The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced on Jan. 13 that assistant dean Barbara Budaj will receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
The PAEMST recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is administered by the NSF on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Each awardee will receive a certificate signed by President Biden and a $10,000 award from the NSF. Awardees are also invited to travel to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony.
Budaj is the assistant dean of School and Community Partnerships and Assessments at Central. Before she joined the Central team in 2022, Budaj spent 24 years in the classroom educating Connecticut students. After three years as a mathematics teacher at East Haven and Newington high schools, Budaj became the Mathematics team leader at the Capital Region Education Council (CREC) Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC).
In her six years at MLC, she honed her curriculum-writing skills before moving to the role of Mathematics curriculum supervisor for CREC Magnet Schools for two years. She then served for one year as principal of Great Path Academy at Manchester Community College and later became the director of Mathematics for the Cromwell Public Schools. Five years later, Budaj was thrilled to be back in the classroom, teaching Algebra 2 and AP Calculus at Capital Preparatory Magnet School.
With her desire to positively influence public education, Budaj transitioned to Central Connecticut, where she oversees placement and support of student teachers, fosters relationships with district partners, and instructs teacher candidates in the M.A.T. program.
Budaj holds a B.A. in Mathematics and East Asian language and literature from Indiana University, Bloomington; an M.S. in Secondary Education from Central Connecticut State University; and her Sixth Year in Intermediate Administration from Sacred Heart University. She is certified in Secondary Mathematics and Intermediate Administration.
About the PAEMST
Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.