LA math teacher Lainey Hodge garners PAEMST

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Exemplary math teacher Lainey Hodge of Monroe, Louisiana, has garnered a prestigious PAEMST. Photo credit: Laney Hodge

There are many exemplary educators working in our nation’s public school classrooms. One of these is Lainey Hodge, a mathematics teacher from Monroe, Louisiana. She garnered a coveted Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) from President Joseph Biden in January, 2025.

The PAEMST recognizes the dedication, hard work, and importance that America’s teachers play in supporting learners who will become future STEM professionals, including computer technologists, climate scientists, mathematicians, innovators, space explorers, and engineers. The PAEMST program, founded in 1983, is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The honor comes with a meeting with the President and a $10,000 cash prize.

Lainey Hodge has taught mathematics for 14 years. Currently, she teaches courses in Geometry, Algebra 1, Algebra III, Advanced Math, Financial Literacy, and Math Essentials at Sterlington High School in Quachita Parish. She previously taught at Ouachita Parish High School for three years, Haughton High School for six years, and Minden High School for her first three years as a teacher.

Lainey is highly thought of among her students and colleagues.They particularly appreciate her approach to teaching mathematics. “That’s my job,” she says. “To overcome the stereotype that math is too difficult. I do my best to teach it in a way that makes it easy and fun,”she declares.

In addition to teaching these courses, Lainey is a mentor teacher and content leader who facilitates school and districtwide professional development. She is a teacher leader and advisor for the Louisiana Department of Education. Additionally, she works with Rivet Education, Inc. to review professional development of high-quality instructional materials.

Lainey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology Education from Louisiana Tech University and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a STEM concentration from Louisiana State University, Shreveport.

In addition to her PAEMST, Lainey was recognized as the 2023 Outstanding High School Teacher by the Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics and the 2014 Region 7 Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators.