USA Alumna Receives National Teaching Award

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Posted on July 3, 2018

Joy Washington

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Chasity Collier, a graduate of the University of South Alabama and a fifth-grade science teacher at Dawes Intermediate School in Mobile County, has received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and a $10,000 grant from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, OSTP, and the National Science Foundation, NSF.

Last year, Collier was named the 2017-18 Alabama Teacher of the Year. And, one year later, Collier is honored to be recognized with this outstanding national award.

“I believe the two most important days in someone’s life are when they are born and when they realize why,” Collier expressed. “I believe one of my purposes in life is to share my love and enthusiasm for science education with children. Winning this award is confirmation that I have had an impact on children, while yearning and wanting to reach so many more. I share this honor with my family, colleagues and most importantly, my kids.”

While in Washington, D.C., Collier was recognized by President Donald Trump, along with 139 other individuals. They all received a presidential citation at an awards ceremony and participated in discussions on STEM and STEM education priorities led by OSTP and NSF. Collier is one of two educators recognized from Alabama.

“On behalf of the White House, I am honored to express the nation’s gratitude for the tireless dedication that these men and women bring to educating the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians,” said Michael Kratsios, deputy assistant to the president for technology policy. “Each day more and more jobs require a strong foundation in STEM education, so the work that you do as teachers and mentors helps ensure that all students can have access to limitless opportunities and the brightest of futures.”

Nominees had to complete a thorough application process that required them to demonstrate their excellence in content knowledge and ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.

A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national levels evaluated the applications before recommending nominees to OSTP. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.

Faculty and staff in South Alabama’s College of Education and Professional Studies are very excited that Collier has received this prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

“This well-deserved honor has been bestowed upon her as she exhibits Jaguar Excellence every day as an educator,” said Dr. Andrea Kent, dean of the college. “We are proud that Chasity's educational journey began at USA, and that she continues to do great things in the lives of our future, which are the children she teaches.”

Collier has received numerous professional accolades and was also named the teacher of the year by the Mobile County Public School System in 2017. She also served as an Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative coach for several years. The science lab at Dawes Intermediate School is named in Collier’s honor. 

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