The White House and the National Science Foundation recently recognized Zionsville West Middle School teacher Kara Benson with the nation’s highest honor for K-12 educators in math and science—the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This prestigious honor celebrates outstanding teachers who demonstrate exemplary instructional methods, leadership, and lifelong learning in STEM education.
Benson, a veteran educator with a career spanning three decades, was nominated by Ryan Flessner, a professor at Butler University. Benson participated in the Teacher Leadership group through the Partnership for Inquiry Learning. She also took part in Flessner’s Teacher Research group, where she spent the year with other teachers designing and implementing a research project in her classroom.
She first applied for the award in 2022 while teaching at Boone Meadow Elementary in Whitestown. That year, she was named a state finalist—one of only five teachers in Indiana to receive the distinction. However, due to delays in the selection process, the final award recipients were not announced until January 2024, when President Biden simultaneously recognized three years’ worth of winners.
“I think it’s still dawning on me what a big deal this is,” Benson says. “I’m not the type to shine a light on my accomplishments, so it feels a little uncomfortable but also really exciting.”
Winning the PAEMST requires far more than an excellent track record in the classroom. Once nominated, teachers undergo a rigorous application process that includes:
A video submission showcasing their teaching in action.
A 10-page written response analyzing instructional methods, student engagement, and assessment strategies.
Letters of recommendation from colleagues and educational leaders.
A review by both state and national committees, culminating in a selection by the President’s office.
“The award takes a holistic look at teaching,” Benson says. “It evaluates everything from content mastery and instructional methods to leadership and reflective practice.”
Throughout her career, Benson has taken an inquiry-based approach to math and science instruction. While teaching at Boone Meadow, she had the unique opportunity to integrate STEM concepts across disciplines.
“My students weren’t just learning math in isolation—they were applying it,” Benson says. “We analyzed real-world data in science experiments, explored engineering through LEGO robotics, and even connected math concepts to our school’s gardening program.”
Now teaching fifth-grade math at Zionsville West Middle School, Benson acknowledges that time constraints make interdisciplinary teaching more challenging. However, she remains committed to engaging students through curiosity-driven learning.
“I carefully design prompts that spark questions,” Benson says. “Students lead the inquiry, and I tie their discoveries back to the math concepts they need to learn. When they’re invested in finding answers, the learning becomes more meaningful.”
In addition to the national recognition, PAEMST winners typically receive a $10,000 personal award from NSF and an invitation to Washington, D.C., for professional development and networking with fellow awardees. However, Benson and her fellow winners are currently facing uncertainty regarding their prize due to federal funding freezes.
With nearly 30 years in education, Benson credits her success to the mentors, colleagues, and students who have shaped her teaching journey. “I’ve had incredible teachers guide me, and I’ve learned just as much from the educators I’ve mentored,” Benson says. “Collaboration is key—none of us grow in isolation.”
As for what’s next, Benson is taking a moment to appreciate this milestone. “It feels like a pinnacle moment in my career,” she says. “But at the same time, I know there’s always more to learn and new challenges to take on.”
