WARREN — The accolades, one already well certain and another possibly on the horizon, keep coming for Kickemuit Middle School instructor Kerri Krawczyk.

Previously recognized for a state-wide award in her expertise, Krawczyk, surrounded by staff, students and supporters in the KMS auditorium Thursday morning, June 12, was again feted upon her being named one of the finalists for national Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) recognition.

Krawczyk, a resident of neighboring Swansea and KMS STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) educator since 2016, is joined by Kelly Grennan Smith, of Davisville Middle School in North Kingstown, as a 2025 finalist in the Grade 7-12 in the Science category. Kathleen Bubrick, of South Kingstown High School, is a third finalist from Rhode Island for Grade 7-12 in Mathematics.

"I'm pretty humbled because it's an important award. It does require a lot of work to complete, which means a lot of people who are deserving of it just don't complete it. Like, they just don't do it," said Krawczyk, who late last calendar year was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Rhode Island STEAM Educator Award.

"I feel like there's many, many wonderful educators throughout our state that deserve this award, but the thing is, you have to actually complete a number of tasks involved in it," she continued of the PAEMST program. "And I think that's just a lot for people to do. You have on your plate, when you're teaching, and if you're a parent and you coach and you do all the things we do."

Said KMS Principal Dennis Morrell of Krawczyk's inclusion in the PAEMST program, "This honor is not only a reflection of Kerri’s deep commitment to excellence in education, but also of the passion, innovation, and tireless dedication she brings to the classroom every single day. Her work inspires not only her students, but also her colleagues and our entire school community.

"To be named a national finalist is a rare and distinguished recognition—and we could not be prouder. We thank Kerri for raising the bar, for nurturing curiosity and for making learning meaningful and lasting."

According to Rhode Island Department of Education literature, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Awards program is "intended to increase status and rewards for demonstrated professionalism, including leadership, in the areas of mathematics and science teaching so that individuals of high quality will be encouraged to enter and remain in the field of teaching."

The program, which began in 1983, is administered by National Science Foundation (NSF). The original aim was to improve teaching in mathematics and the sciences. Elementary-level teachers, of which there are also Rhode Island teachers up for 2025 awards, have been involved in the program since 1990.

The criteria for selection includes: high-quality classroom performance; the effects teachers have on students; and
the teacher's personal and professional goals. Participants are screened and selection first at the state level, then must be interviewed again nationally before final awardees are chosen.

Krawczyk credited Carolyn Higgins, RIDE's STEM/STEAM specialist, for prodding her to pursue the PAEMST.

"At the state level, they wanted more applicants because I think that it's a lot for someone to do. And I think people are just burned out, and it's tough to get it all done," Krawczyk explained. "So, she encouraged me and she's like, 'I know you can do this because you did national board certification, and it's like that kind of writing that you have to do. It's right to the point, no fluff just talk about what they're asking you to talk about.'"

The PAEMST is quite daunting. It required Krawczyk to provide a 30-minute, unedited video recording of one of her lessons. She also had to submit between 15-18 written prompts requiring some 3,000 characters each. The prompts involved explaining her content knowledge, how she assesses students, her leadership qualities inside and outside the classroom, her life-long learning pursuits and her contributions to the community as a whole.

In addition, she needed to seek letters of recommendation, submit a lesson plan and supplemental learning materials she uses, which include student work and evidence of effectiveness.

The initial PAEMST interviews and evaluations were done locally late this past winter. Those materials were then submitted by RIDE to its NSF counterparts. And either Krawczyk and Grennan Smith are likely to be the selection for the Science discipline, but neither are guaranteed the award.

"So, of course, I wish (Grennan Smith) the best," said Krawczyk, who came to Bristol Warren after teaching in the Providence Public School system for 16 years. "At the national level, it's the National Science Foundation that basically runs it, and they are the ones that look at the all the applications, and they determine whether or not those people deserve it. And they could send it back to the state and say neither one of your candidates deserve it."

Besides her work in the classroom, Krawczyk has also been the coach of the KMS Science Olympiad team, which this past spring won its third consecutive state competition.

The team, members of which placed among the top three in 18 out of 21 state categories, advanced to the national event last month in Nebraska where the KMS squad placed 46th out of 60 teams. The team's best finish at nationals was 12th place in the "Write it, Do it" category, a writing and building activity.

She is also the advisor for the KMS Project Lead the Way cources and the SeaPerch underwater robotics program.

Krawczyk made particular mention of her colleague Molly Scarborough for her contributions to the KMS STEAM/STEM classes and club activities.

"The two of us work together to provide six different STEM courses at the middle school, so it's a big program," Krawczyk said. "Molly and I employ curriculum along with some of our own stuff, too. And that's like kind of the backbone of our STEM program."

As for the all the recognition she's received and is receiving, Krawczyk said it's part and parcel of the spirited learning environment of the district.

"I'm just really thankful for the school department, our school community — the kids and the families and my colleagues. I'm just surrounded by great people," Krawczyk added. "So that's basically what I'm really thankful for. I wouldn't do any of this if it wasn't a great place to be."