Robert Menendez

Menendez Meets NJ Teachers Who Received Presidential Award

Perth Amboy & Point Pleasant Honored With Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

June 28, 2012

Washington – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today met with two New Jersey teachers who received the 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This prestigious honor was given this week by President Obama to 97 teachers across the country who have demonstrated a dedication to strengthening STEM education. Menendez met with Perth Amboy teacher Rebecca McLelland-Crawley and Point Pleasant teacher John McAllen III and their families today during their visit to Washington, D.C. to attend the award ceremony at the White House.

“I am very proud to see New Jersey science teachers honored among the best in the nation,” said Senator Menendez. “Educators like John and Rebecca show the value of investing in science and math education so that our future leaders have the ability to thrive in this time of rapid technological change. John and Rebecca have dedicated their lives to that mission and I hope that their recognition will encourage more bright young individuals to go into teaching as a profession.”

John McAllen III gave up a successful career as a biomechanical engineer for Johnson & Johnson to shape the engineers of the future. He has taught AP Calculus, precalculus, and geometry at Point Pleasant Borough High School for the past 13 years and also serves as a Professional Learning Community Facilitator and as chairman of the Ocean County Mathematics League. He has also been honored as Governor’s Teacher of the Year.

Rebecca McLelland-Crawley teaches biology, marine science, and AP Environmental Science at Perth Amboy High School. In her 15 years as a science educator, she has served as president of the Biology Teachers Association of New Jersey and has been named New Jersey Phi Delta Kappa/Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. She plans to use the $10,000 from the award to work on special programs for her autistic son and to continue pursuing her doctorate at Walden University.

Senator Menendez presents John McAllen III and Rebecca McLelland Crawley, PAEMST award recipients from NJ, with American flags that have been flown above the Capitol as a token of recognition.

From Left to Right: John McAllen III, Senator Menendez, and Rebecca McLelland-Crawley.

For more information on the PAEMST program, Click Here.

###