(Norman, Oklahoma) - Norman Public Schools is proud to announce that two of its outstanding educators, Emily Cohlmia and Twyla Hart, have been named Oklahoma State Finalists for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Cohlmia and Hart are among only six educators statewide—three in science and three in mathematics—who will now advance to the national selection process. The National Science Foundation will review their applications and determine Oklahoma’s official awardees for 2025.
“We are incredibly proud to have two of our exceptional teachers recognized at this level,” said Jamie Rentzel, mathematics coordinator for Norman Public Schools. “Ms. Cohlmia and Ms. Hart exemplify excellence in teaching, and their dedication to inspiring students in mathematics fields is truly commendable.”
The PAEMST is the highest recognition for K-12 STEM educators in the United States, honoring teachers who demonstrate outstanding instructional practices and a commitment to student success in mathematics and science.
Norman Public Schools congratulates Ms. Cohlmia and Ms. Hart on this remarkable achievement and wishes them success as they move forward in the national selection process.
Ms. Emily Cohlmia | Ms. Twyla Hart Norman North High School |
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About the Award
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the top honors bestowed by the U.S. Government to K-12 STEM teachers. Each year, up to 110 outstanding educators from across the country may be recognized by the White House for their passion, dedication, and impact in the classroom. Recipients of the Presidential Award represent the best of STEM education—demonstrating deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable student success.
More than 5,200 PAEMST awardees have been recognized since the program was established by Congress in 1983. More information about Awards
Past Award Winners from Norman Public Schools
David Drennan, Norman High School, 1984 Award | 7-12 Mathematics
Terry Shaw, Irving Middle School, 1992 Award | 7-12 Science
Jetta Burton, Norman High School , 1993 Award | 7-12 Mathematics
Carol Upchurch, Jefferson Elementary School, 1994 Award | K-6 Science
Robye Pursifull, Eisenhower Elementary School, 1999 Award | K-6 Science
Anne Lawrence, Madison Elementary School, 1999 Award | K-6 Mathematics
Barbra Carlson, Eisenhower Elementary School, 2001 Award | K-6 Mathematics
Kristy Ford, Eisenhower Elementary School, 2002 Award | K-6 Mathematics
Lori Martin, Norman High School, 2003 Award | 7-12 Mathematics
Stacy Darling, Eisenhower Elementary School, 2006 Award | K-6 Science
Patricia Morgan, Eisenhower Elementary School, 2008 Award | K-6 Mathematics
Jamie Rentzel, Norman High School, 2015 Award | 7-12 Mathematics
Macey Stewart, Washington Elementary School, 2016 Award | K-6 Mathematics
Julie Klingensmith, Norman High School, 2017 Award | 7-12 Mathematics