Bishop Chatard High School is proud to announce that science teacher Amanda Horan has been awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
The PAEMST, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, honors exceptional teachers’ contributions to STEM education. Recipients of this award receive a certificate signed by President Biden, a $10,000 grant from the NSF, and will be recognized at an upcoming ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Amanda has been an integral part of Bishop Chatard for 14 years, teaching Physics, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Advanced Placement Chemistry. She holds a B.S. in chemical engineering, summa cum laude, from Purdue University, and an M.S. in secondary science education from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Amanda worked in pharmaceutical manufacturing at Eli Lilly & Company before transitioning into education through the Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship, driven by her passion for working with young people.
Amanda’s dedication to innovative teaching led her to adopt Modeling Instruction, a hands-on, inquiry-based teaching method that enhances student understanding. She also leads workshops to support fellow educators and mentors new teachers as an instructional coach. Her implementation of standards-based assessment has further refined her approach, helping students achieve their goals and clarifying expectations.
In 2023, Amanda was honored as the top K-12 educator in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis with the St. Theodora Guerin Excellence in Education Award. She is also an active contributor to the academic community, serving as a reader for the AP Chemistry exam and presenting at national conferences like the Biennial Conference on Chemistry Education.
Reflecting on the award, Amanda shared, “Early in my career, I wrote a recommendation letter for PAEMST for a teacher I deeply admired. To now receive this award myself is an unbelievable honor. I believe in the potential of every student, and I show this by maintaining high expectations while supporting them on their educational journey. Being recognized with this award reaffirms that teaching is my true calling and that impact extends beyond the classroom.”
“Through her continued commitment to serve our students, Mrs. Horan lives out our mission daily,” says BCHS Principal, John Hasty. “Her personal commitment to faith, continuous learning, leadership, and service profoundly impacts our students and staff, inside and outside the classroom.”
“Students often credit Mrs. Horan with helping them find a love for science a learning,” continued Mr. Hasty. “We are excited to see her earn this well-deserved and distinguished recognition. It is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and transformational impact.”