ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – An engineering teacher at the Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (DAYTEC), has been named as a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), by then-President Joe Biden.
Raymond Cotter has been named as a recipient of the nation’s highest award for math a science teachers. Mr. Cotter will also a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a certificate from the president, and will visit Washington D.C. to be honored later this year.
(Photo Credit: Roanoke City Public Schools)
“The whole process of being considered for and then receiving the Presidential Award has been powerfully validating, improved my instruction, and helped me be a better mentor, all thanks to the support of many outstanding people,” Cotter said. “My students amaze and inspire me every day, so I am excited to see how the opportunities this award provides will help me continue to improve their experiences as promising young engineers!”
Cotter was one of the 336 teachers around the nation selected and only one of six teachers was selected from Virginia.
Cotter started his career at Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Virginia in 2004, then joined Roanoke City Public Schools in 2006. He also served at the Roanoke Technical Education Center (ROTEC) until he moved to William Fleming High School in 2012. He has been DAYTEC’s inaugural engineering teacher since the center opened in 2024.
“Mr. Cotter has the magical ability to connect with the students enrolled in his classes by providing a safe and welcoming environment where students develop a passion to learn,” said Kathy Duncan, RCPS’ Director of Career & Technical Education.
Nominees for the award went through a tough application process to show deep content knowledge along with abilities to adapt to a large range of learners and teaching environments.
This went in front of a panel of elite mathematicians, scientists, and educators at state and national levels before nominations were taken to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
Teachers were then selected based on their classroom and dedication within improving STEM education.
“I am honored to recognize and celebrate the six Virginia educators who have received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “This prestigious award exemplifies each of these educators outstanding teaching abilities, content expertise, and commitment to ensuring every student succeeds. Congratulations and thank you for serving as outstanding representatives of the Commonwealth.”
This award was established in 1983 and is the highest award a K-12 math and science teacher can receive from the U.S. government.