President Obama Honors King as One of the Nation's Best Math and Science Teachers
April 29, 2011 - President Obama named WCPSS Teacher Zebetta King one of 85 recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Superintendent Tata congratulates Zebetta King on earning Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. |
King is the WCPSS Senior Administrator for Elementary Science. She has served on the Wake County Elementary Science Steering Committee and has been a leader in developing curriculum documents to supplement the NC Science Standard Course of Study. She has presented professional development trainings at national, regional, and local science education leadership institutes and conferences.
Prior to the district science position, King taught fourth and fifth grade academically gifted students at Swift Creek Elementary. She has been an educator for 19 years.
“My reward as a teacher, has been the privilege to watch my students’ natural curiosity unfold, passion for science ignite, and ability to think critically flower; as important has been the generous support of mentors, colleagues, and family,” said King. “The Presidential Award is a strong affirmation of the wonderful journey that we have all traveled together.”
King was awarded the Kenan Fellowship for Curriculum and Leadership Development in 2005 and the NC Science Teacher Association District Three Elementary School Outstanding Science Teacher Award in 2008.
King has a B.S. in psychology from the University of Florida; an M.Ed. in special education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; and advanced certification for curriculum development and supervision from NC State University, where she is now pursuing her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. She has licensures in K - 12 academically gifted, K - 12 learning disabilities, 6 - 12 science, and curriculum specialist supervision.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. After an initial selection process done at the state level, a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators select the winners. Each year the award alternates between teachers teaching kindergarten through sixth grade and those teaching seventh through 12th grades.
Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and the Administration.
King will receive the award in Washington, D.C. the week of May 16.
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