Okaloosa County Teacher Honored with Presidential Excellence Award

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Okaloosa County Teacher Honored with Presidential Excellence Award

Jacqueline Sheffield, a mathematics teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, has received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). First awarded in 1983, this national award is the highest honor the U.S. government gives to K-12 math and science educators.

Sheffield, who has taught at Fort Walton Beach High School for 24 years and has 28 years of total teaching experience, was recognized for her work in Algebra 2 Honors and Advanced Placement Statistics. Before her current position, she taught at Davidson Middle School.

On January 13, 2025, President Joe Biden announced the 336 recipients of the PAEMST and its counterpart award for mentoring in STEM fields. Recipients are selected annually for their deep knowledge of their subject areas, exceptional teaching skills, and dedication to advancing STEM education. “Jacqueline Sheffield’s commitment to her students and her profession is truly inspiring,” said Okaloosa County Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our Okaloosa family.”

The award includes $10,000 from the National Science Foundation and recognition at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The selection process involved state and national panels of educators and scientists evaluating candidates based on teaching excellence and their ability to inspire students in STEM fields.

For more information about the PAEMST program, visit www.paemst.org.