Local Math Teacher Wins National Award

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-A math teacher at the Mississippi School For Mathematics and Science will be honored by President Obama for her work in the classroom.

Lauren Zarandona will be presented the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching at a special ceremony in Washington next month.

She’s one of 213 teachers in the country to receive the award given to outstanding K through 12 science and math teachers.

Winners are selected by a panel of scientists, mathematicians, and other educators.

“As I thought about it, I really thought for my students that persistence pays off,” said Zarandona, national award winning teacher.  “So this is the fourth time I’ve applied for this award, my third time as a state finalist, and finally I’ve won. I wanted to give up, I did not want to submit the last application, but I thought, what would I advise my students, and I would tell them, nope, If you want it you need to try again and I did want it, and tried it again, and this time I won.”

In addition to her trip to Washington for the ceremony and other events, Zarandona will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.