York Town News
Local teacher is finalist for second statewide honor
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK - She has done it again.Coastal Ridge Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Deb Bradburn has once again made it to the final round for a major teaching award.
This time, however, it's not for Maine Teacher of the Year. Bradburn is now one of two finalists in the state for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching.
Maine Education Commissioner Susan A. Gendron recently announced that Bradburn and Susan Maynard of Fort Fairfield Elementary School are this year's finalists for what is described as the nation's highest honor for mathematics and science teachers in grades K through 12.
Coastal Ridge Elementary School Principal Jane Stephenson said that, coming on the heels of Bradburn's accomplishment of being named a finalist for Maine Teacher of the Year, this latest honor is one more indication of Bradburn's excellence as a teacher. A trait she shares with so many educators in the York Schools, Stephenson said.
Describing Bradburn as a teacher who is strong across all disciplines, Stephenson added that mathematics education "is her love. This is her passion. This is where she really shines."
Bradburn has a gift, Stephenson said, for making math accessible and non-threatening - not only for her students but for parents, fellow teachers and even teachers-in-training at the college level.
Bradburn was honored as a finalist for the award at an event in August on Nov. 17 and at a luncheon just last week for teachers and administrators who are finalists or recipients for various awards throughout the state.
At the Nov. 17 event, Bradburn was introduced to the guests by fellow Coastal Ridge teacher Beth Switzer, who described the importance of having someone with Bradburn's knowledge and teaching skills as a member of the staff.
That sentiment was echoed at the state level and beyond.
"Maine has outstanding teachers, and these women represent some of our best," Gendron said when the selection of the two finalists was announced. "We are quite proud of them and the important work they do. We know that a solid background in mathematics and science is critical to our futures."
Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, also offered praise in a letter.
"I am delighted that two such fine teachers as Deborah Bradburn of Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York and Susan Maynard of Fort Fairfield Elementary School are the state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching in Mathematics and Science," Michaud wrote. "This is no small measure. Susan and Deborah, I congratulate you on not only receiving this award, but for all the fantastic work you are doing in the classroom for your students. From opposite ends of the state, I know your outlook is very similar. I know when you look out at your classrooms you see more than a child at play or at study. You're able to see a child with big dreams and big hopes. You see future doctors and scientists and entrepreneurs and inventors, and I hope you even see a teacher or two."
Stephenson explained that the program alternates annual between elementary and secondary level educators.
There is a lot of work involved in the selection process, Stephenson said, adding Bradburn has been hailed by her colleagues not only at Coastal Ridge but by fellow teachers from North Berwick who nominated her for the award along with Stephenson.
The final selection for the award is expected to be made in March.
"Hopefully she'll come through this as the Maine representative," Stephenson said, "but just to be selected as a finalist is an honor."
The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers the program, which was established in 1983. According to the Department of Education, each year, after an initial selection, a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators recommends the recipients of the national awards, which include $10,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., where each of the winners participate in a variety of events.
Next year's program will begin this fall for secondary level mathematics and science teachers. Students, parents, administrators and other colleagues are encouraged to nominate exceptional teachers of math or science at www.paemst.org.
