A mathematics teacher at Patrick Henry Elementary School in the Martinsville City School division is among three Virginia state finalists for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Elizabeth “Liz” Lynch is among the contenders for the award that is the highest recognition a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. The award recognizes educators who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas.
“I am so excited and humbled by this experience,” Lynch said. “I have loved all of the opportunities that have been offered to me by MCPS to grow my skills and engage our students, from participating STEM-based competitions, to providing equitable, resource-rich learning for all our students.”
A 13-year veteran of the school division, Lynch has worked as a 5th grade teacher at Albert Harris Elementary and Martinsville Prep Academy, 8th grade science at Martinsville Middle School, and is currently the STEM teacher at Patrick Henry Elementary, according to a release.
“Math is the foundation for all STEM learning,” Lynch said in a release. “Understanding problems and being able to analyze data is vital for success in any future career. It allows students to be problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and ultimately gives them the tools to change the world. And I truly do believe that our students can change the world.”
Her lessons are engaging and accessible, incorporate coding, games, and multiple entry points for learners who grasp concepts at different paces.
“The flexibility of my instruction allows me to meet students wherever they are,” Lynch said. “With open-ended, play-based lessons, even students who struggle can explore math in fun, unintimidating ways.”
A two-time recipient of the Southwest Virginia Technology Consortium’s Technology Teacher Award, Lynch was selected by her colleagues at Patrick Henry as their school’s Teacher of the Year for the 2020- 2021 school year.
Lynch also serves as a coach for Odyssey of the Mind, First Lego League Lego Robotics, KidWind, and the King’s Dominion Roller Coaster Engineering Challenge. Under her leadership, her Odyssey of the Mind team placed third in the world finals in 2020, and a second team is currently preparing to compete in this year’s global competition. Her Lego Robotics teams have won state championships, and one even advanced to Global Innovations, an honor reserved for the top 20 teams in the world. Focused on developing problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, Lynch emphasizes the importance of mathematics across all STEM disciplines.
“Throughout my career, I have never met a teacher who is more deserving of this recognition than Liz Lynch,” said Cameron Cooper, principal. “No matter if it’s during the school day or as a part of our many afterschool programs like Robotics, Odyssey of the Mind, or Kid Wind, her passion for STEM-based learning is infectious for both the staff and students at Patrick Henry Elementary. She constantly goes above and beyond to help create a fun learning environment that, in turn, creates opportunities and experiences that will have a lasting impact on our students.”
A native of Buffalo, NY, Lynch holds a B.S. in Human Development and Learning from Lynchburg College (now Lynchburg University) and a M.Ed. in Interdisciplinary STEM from The Citadel.
“I am thrilled to see Liz Lynch receive this recognition,” City Schools Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley said. “Mrs. Lynch has an unmatched work ethic and has the ability to relate to all students and encourage them to excel. Our district is blessed to have such a talented educator on our staff.”
The two other Virginia finalists are Jennifer Gates, a science teacher at Randolph Elementary School in Goochland County, Goochland County Schools; and Dr. Laurie Sullivan, a Project Discovery Science/STEM teacher at K. W. Barrett Elementary School in Arlington, Arlington Public Schools.
“I am proud to recognize and honor three Virginia teachers who have been selected as finalists for this year’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “Virginia’s finalists – Ms. Gates, Ms. Lynch, and Dr. Sullivan – deserve to be celebrated for their subject matter expertise and commitment to their schools, students, and communities. We are proud to have them represent the Commonwealth as they are considered by the national selection committee.”
The finalists were selected by review committees convened by the Virginia Department of Education. Nominees were required to provide evidence of deep content knowledge and exemplary teaching skills.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House. The award alternates annually between teachers in Grades K-6 and teachers in Grades 7-12. The President may recognize a total of 110 exemplary teachers each year. A national review committee will review the applications of the 2024 state finalists, and the winners of the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching will be announced by the White House.
National awardees each receive a $10,000 unrestricted award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and participate in a series of recognition events and professional development activities in the nation’s capital.
