Oakesdale alumni named Presidential Awardee by White House

In October 2019, the White House named Justine Hurley, daughter of Mike and Debra Hurley and a teacher in White Sulphur Springs, Mont., the recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Hurley is a former 2001 graduate of Oakesdale High School and received her bachelor's degree in education from Eastern Washington University, as well as a Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teaching. The award recognizes those teachers 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, according to the PAEMST website.

Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the nation's teaching corps and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

According to the PAEMST website, Hurley and other recipients represent the most outstanding teachers America has to offer and serves as both a model and an inspiration to students and fellow teachers.

Hurley said her passion for teaching elementary science extends to her students by creating a classroom culture that is constantly evolving, engaging and hands-on. She added that students in her classroom benefit from a cross-disciplinary science instruction model that makes science relevant in everything that they are learning.

Hurley strives to bring current science-related educational practices and opportunities to rural schools. Along with classroom teachings, she currently leads professional development sessions regarding the implementation of new mathematics and science techniques for elementary classrooms.

Hurley said she is thankful for the quality of education that she received growing up that has made her into the teacher she is today.

"Attending school in Oakesdale, Wash., was very similar to where I currently teach in terms of demographics. My elementary and high school education was top tier with so many great examples of what a great teacher should be. College at Eastern Washington University in the Education Department provided me with everything I would need to be a quality teacher to my students," Hurley said.

Hurley has spent her entire 13-year teaching career at White Sulphur Springs Elementary in White Sulphur Springs, Mont. She currently teaches all subjects to her third grade class and previously served as the elementary reading specialist for four years.