He Looked Me in the Eye

Sue Abrams has been teaching at Montpelier High School since 1996.  She is in her 34th year teaching and has taught in France, Arizona, Oregon and Vermont.  This past July, she was honored as one of two Vermont recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching.  This is her story.

After an anonymous nomination, letters of reference from colleagues, administrators, and colleagues, Sue completed a 20 page portfolio, comprising her different dimensions of teaching.  A committee of former award winners, leaders in the country in math and science, nominates finalists.  Sue found out in the summer of 2013 - that is not a typo - that she was a finalist.

The portfolio then goes to the National Science Foundation and with the use of a rubric, three people evaluate the submission.  That committee sends an ordered list of recommendations to the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy.  The presidential committee in that office chooses the top two teaching professionals (not necessarily one Math and one Science).

A year ago Sue was notified that she was under consideration, when the Federal Bureau of Investigation initiated a background check.  She was under strict orders to tell no one but her immediate family.  This past March, Sue submitted to another background check by the FBI and was asked for district contact information.

I can tell you that Sue did not tell anyone - including me - about this notification.  I received an e-mail from her, asking for press and media release information for MPS.  When I asked Sue who was requesting this, she declined to tell me.  "Integrity is doing the right thing when no one else is looking."  (M. Krzyzewski, Duke University Mens' Basketball Coach)

On July 1 of this year, while studying Spanish in Spain (yes, Sue has earned dual certification in Math & Spanish), Sue was notified that she was one of the two Vermont teachers to earn this award.  The other winner is Stewart Williamson, from Peoples Academy.  So on July 28, she and the other winners went to the White House and after enduring a substantial amount of protocol review, they were ushered into a room to wait for President Obama.

When I asked her about our President, she remarked, "He's a really funny guy.  He led off by asking us; 'How're y'all doing?' "  His remarks emphasized the importance of strong teachers and noted that the lack of a strong teacher has long-term ramifications for a student.

When it came time to shake hands, Sue noted "He looks you right in the eye when he shakes your hand.  It's really something to meet the sitting president, have him look you in the eye and say 'Congratulations!' "

With all due respect to President Obama, he took the words right out of my mouth.  Congratulations Sue - we could not be prouder of you, your accomplishment, your humility, and your commitment to the profession of teaching.  Montpelier Public Schools is a better place because of you!