Science department chair Erin Flynn was honored as one of 108 recipients of the 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers the PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Established in 1983, the PAEMST awards are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science, including computer science. Awardees are recognized as models for colleagues, an inspiration to their communities and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Originally a research technician working in cancer biology, Flynn has taught high school science, including Advanced Placement Biology and Biology, at the Academy for the past seven years and has been in education for a total of nine years.

“I wasn’t sure if teaching was the right path when I first started. Teaching is something that was very different for me, but I really like working with kids and I can have a lot more autonomy in that position without having to get a Ph.D. The award showed me that I made the right choice being a teacher,” said Flynn.

Flynn is a founding member of the Schools of the Future initiative at the Academy which supports modern education and technology integration in all grades. Over a five-year period, Schools of the Future awarded the Academy $75,000 for each of the five years, mostly for teacher inservice.

Head of school Betty White believes that Flynn greatly deserves the award.

“Ms. Flynn is an outstanding educator who is well trained by some of the best colleges in the nation.  She left the field of science research to become a science educator at great financial sacrifice to her family, but she has no regrets about her decision. She loves working with Sacred Hearts students.  However, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is not determined only by being a good teacher. Ms. Flynn  is a leader in the field of science education with her colleagues and the greater educational community in Hawaii,” said White.

President Obama said, “These teachers are shaping America’s success through their passion for math and science. Their leadership and commitment empower our children to think critically and creatively about science, technology, engineering and math. The work these teachers are doing in our classrooms today will help ensure that America stays on the cutting edge tomorrow.”

As part of the recognition, Flynn will receive a $10,000 award courtesy of the NSF.

Chemistry teacher James Bell said, “It’s great for her to be recognized. When [students] leave her class, it’s clear that they’ve learned a lot from her. She shares her enthusiasm for biology [with her students]. People leave her class really liking biology and wanting to learn more and more science.”

Sophomore Sara Cheng, a previous student, said, “Ms. Flynn is a great teacher because she’s passionate about what she teaches. She’s great at interacting with her students and constantly maintains a positive attitude towards the class.”

“I think teaching in general is very powerful because you can have effects on people that you don’t sometimes mean to have. You have to be appreciative of that and make sure that you’re helping kids find their passion even if they don’t know what it is. That’s why I like teaching ninth grade: they come in not knowing what they want, but when they leave, hopefully I’ve helped them decide and set them on their path.

“Earning the Presidential Award is an honor and a privilege. My success as an educator is a testimony to those who have supported me along my path towards science education — my family, my mentors, my colleagues and of course, my students. I will continue to improve my methods, inspire children to love science and bring honor to those who selected me for this award,” said Flynn.