THERMOPOLIS – Goshen County native Emmy Hergert (née Coxbill) has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). 

Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Nominees for the award are judged on their content knowledge, ability to teach a broad range of learners and teaching environments, and their dedication to improving STEM education. Each nominee is reviewed by a panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels before being reviewed and selected by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). 

“Receiving the PAEMST award is incredibly meaningful to me. It signifies the countless students who advocated for their learning and impacted my teaching practices, the teachers who mentored me and made me get better every day and the administrators who built an environment that fostered my professional growth,” Hergert said.

Hergert received the award while teaching seventh-grade math at Thermopolis Middle School. 

“When entering Emmy’s classroom, the positivity for learning and mathematics is palpable. Emmy models kindness, respect, and operates a classroom where all students are inspired to achieve grade level learning or higher by standard and skill. Students in Emmy’s class thrive in mathematics, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, race, gender, or current abilities, due to the collective commitment that all means all,” Hergert’s peers explained. 

In addition to her work in the classroom, Hergert has served on multiple state education committees and worked with the state Level Up Program. She has published and presented articles in the Journal for the Education of the Gifted and in the professional learning resource AllThingsPLC. She has recently transitioned out of full-time teaching after fourteen years but speaks fondly of her time as a teacher and hopes to return to the profession in the future. 

“I take great joy in fostering a supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and motivated to reach their fullest potential,” she says. “It is an incredible blessing to be a part of a system built to help students thrive and grow.” 

Hergert is a 2007 graduate of Southeast High School in Yoder and credits many of her teachers and experiences in Goshen County with her success in teaching. 

“My early experiences in Goshen County, particularly with Mr. Eisenbarth, were pivotal in fostering my love of learning. He saw my potential when I struggled and encouraged me to believe in myself. His impact changed the trajectory of my education and inspired me to become an educator. I also want to express my gratitude for my time at Southeast High School, where each of my teachers set me up for success. Mrs. Cole taught me the art of writing, Mr. Epler modeled exceptional leadership and high expectations, and Mrs. Boche fueled my passion for math, guiding my decision to pursue a career in math education,” Hergert said. 

Hergert explained Southeast School fostered an environment which was supportive of students, thanks, in large part, to the dedication of teachers. 

As she reflects on her time as a teacher and on the recognition of her success, Hergert encourages the Goshen County community to support the school and the tireless work of the teachers and school staff with the goal of preparing local students for lifelong success. 

“We are at a critical time when education is often under attack, and this does not lead to positive change,” she admonishes. “I urge the community to support of our educators and schools. Celebrate the positive developments happening in our classrooms and work together to facilitate meaningful change. When we come together, we can create an environment where all students thrive and feel supported.”