Dr. Patrycja Krakowiak, a life sciences instructor at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts, has been named a 2021 state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Krakowiak is one of six teachers statewide who were named state finalists for the national teaching award. Forty-seven teachers were nominated for the honor, according to a release from the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The award recognizes outstanding science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to professional development, innovative teaching techniques and technology in their classroom. The program is conducted by the National Science Foundation on behalf of The White House.
Krakowiak is one of three state finalists for recognition in the science category. There are three finalists in the mathematics category. A national committee of scientists, mathematicians and educators will review the applications and recommend up to 108 teachers to receive the award. Winners are chosen from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories and school operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Krakowiak said she is very excited to have been chosen as one of the three science teachers to represent the state of Arkansas this year.
“I was truly excited (in fact, I dropped my phone) and screamed ‘Yes!,’” she said about finding out that she was selected. “I feel truly honored and excited to be recognized as a 2021 Arkansas state finalist for the Presidential Awards in Mathematics and Science Teaching, especially after such a difficult year of the pandemic.
“It makes me feel reassured and delighted that I am teaching in a way that is national recognized for its innovation and excellence. Because it has been such an intensive process overall, becoming a finalist has been especially satisfying.”
Stuart Flynn, dean of academic affairs, said Krakowiak’s recognition is well deserved.
“Dr. Krakowiak's tireless commitment to STEM instruction and creative approach to content delivery have made her a leader in her field,” Flynn said. “For years, she has demonstrated excellence in the classroom, mentoring ASMSA students and helping guide Arkansas teachers through ASMSA's STEM Pathways program, so her influence on STEM instruction in Arkansas is extraordinary. We are proud that Dr. Krakowiak calls ASMSA home, and we congratulate her on this tremendous honor.”
Krakowiak described the application process for the award as very intensive but quite rewarding as well. She had to pick a topic for which she had to develop several lesson plans, hands-on activities and extensive studies. She also had to record herself teaching a class on the topic using all of the engagement tools and student discussions that she would normally implement to enhance student learning.
“Being a human geneticist by training, I chose the topic of cancer genetics. I prepared an extensive narrative for the selection committee about the whole experience, including reflections on instructional tools, content, engagement, misconceptions and assessments,” she said.
“Finally, I prepared a description of my leadership roles and past experiences with my colleagues and in the community. What made this process especially challenging was the fact that I was teaching fully online last year so my recording was a zoom call (including breakout rooms) with students instead of a classroom or lab.”
This is not the first time Krakowiak has been recognized for her teaching methods and classroom dedication. She was named one of 10 national recipients of The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Teacher Innovator Awards in June 2020 as well as being recognized for her contribution to the Arkansas Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in 2020. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher, earning that recognition by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2018.
Krakowiak said this honor stands out as the most exciting “not only because it is the highest level of recognition for a science teacher nationally, but because so many different groups are involved. From state level selection committees to the National Science Foundation and finally to the Office of Science and Technology Policy at The White House.”
Besides earning recognition, she said each of those experiences provided her with an opportunity to grow as an educator.
“I think the reason I apply for so many professional development and award opportunities is that because each time I do I learn so much more about myself and my teaching strategies,” she said. “In fact, I find out that the methods I work so hard on and innovations I implement in my classes are exactly what needs to be happening according to state and national standards. I give myself an opportunity to reflect on and improve what has not been working and enhance what seems to get students excited. I really do enjoy a challenge, especially if it makes me a more effective teacher.”
She’s ready to share what she has learned from these experiences not only with her students but other educators as well.
“I am also truly excited to share my experiences with and encourage other teachers to apply for the numerous opportunities they have as educators to enhance their teaching methods and positively impact their students’ learning,” she said.