Kristi Peterson, a math instructional coach and teacher at Mesquite High School, earned the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Awarded by the executive office of the president of the United States, the PAEMST is the highest recognition from the U.S. government that a kindergarten through 12th-grade science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher may receive.

Each year, up to 110 outstanding educators from across the country may be recognized by the White House for their passion, dedication, and impact in the classroom.

Peterson has dedicated 31 years to teaching, including 22 with Gilbert Public Schools. Currently, she is in her third year at Mesquite High School. She previously taught at Gilbert High School.

Each Presidential awardee receives a certificate signed by the president of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and an all-expenses-paid trip for an award ceremony.

In addition, awardees join a national cohort of award-winning teachers, providing opportunities to impact teaching on a state and national scale.

The PAEMST is given out to elementary and secondary school teachers in alternating years.

In each of the past three years that the award was given to secondary school teachers (2019, 2021 and 2023), faculty from Gilbert Public Schools were recognized with the PAEMST. In 2019, Lynnea Bahm, the secondary mathematics coordinator at GPS, won the PAEMST while Karen Maas, a teacher at Gilbert Classical Academy, was a top three state finalist in 2021. Peterson was also selected as a state finalist for this award in 2023.