There are so many talented educators who have earned recognition for their hard work in the classroom. One of these is Xue Qing Liang, a high school science teacher from Brooklyn, New York. She has garnered a coveted 2023 PAEMST award.
The PAEMST, Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, recognize 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.
Xue Qing teaches Chemistry at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn. She has taught at the school for seven years. In her classroom, the honored teacher incorporates engineering design, role playing, and reflective discussions in her lesson plans. Her students act as investigators and solve a real-world problems. Furthermore, to help minimize language barriers, Xue Qing teaches a Chinese Bilingual Chemistry class.
In addition to her classroom lessons, Xue Qing is involved with her school’s Science Olympiad. Also, she has participated in Math for America where she co-designs environmentally sustainable labs by incorporating the principles of green chemistry. She has also participated in Engineering for Tomorrow, discussing students’ final projects with NASA engineers.
Xue Qing earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the College of Staten Island. She earned a Master’s degree in Science Education from CUNY Brooklyn College, and a second Master’s degree in Chinese from Hunter College. She also completed the requirements for an Advanced Certificate in Bilingual Education from Brooklyn College.