Couch Middle Math Teacher Cindy Apley Rose Earns Presidential Award for Excellence

Cindy Apley Rose, an 8th grade math teacher at Couch Middle School in Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), has been named as a winner for this year’s Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is one of 213 mathematics and science teachers to be recognized this year as a recipient of this prestigious award.

These awardees represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools. Mrs. Apley Rose and the other honored educators will receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, DC, on September 8.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process at the state level. Each nomination year of the award alternates between teachers in the kindergarten through 6th grade level, and those teaching 7th through 12th grades. The cohort of awardees named today represent two nomination years, one of teachers in kindergarten through 6th grade classrooms and the other in 7th through 12th grade classrooms.

Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion, and are invited to Washington, DC, for an awards ceremony, as well as educational and celebratory events, and visits with members of the Administration.

“The recipients of this award are integral to ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to our Nation’s success,” President Obama said. “As the United States continues to lead the way in the innovation that is shaping our future, these excellent teachers are preparing students from all corners of the country with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills that help keep us on the cutting-edge.”

Apley Rose is a veteran Gwinnett educator who has earned numerous honors, including being the 2014–15 Gwinnett County Middle School Teacher of the Year. Last school year, she was one of a select group of metro Atlanta educators named as a winner in the 2015 Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education. She used the money she won from AFAEE to create Community Mathematic Nights that focused on helping parents overcome a fear of math so that they were better equipped to help their children.

Regarding this national honor, Apley Rose says, “The Presidential Award validates my belief that all students learn through real life tasks. Helping them discover mathematics through science, engineering, and technology, they become college and career ready. Teaching them how to evaluate the mathematics of others and design out of the box solutions, they are becoming the nation’s future innovators and leaders. I am humbled by this award and grateful for the support of my family and colleagues that allows me to reach for the stars with my students.”

Couch Middle School Principal Devon Williams is proud of Mrs. Apley Rose and all of her accomplishments. He shares, “Cindy Apley Rose’s passion for educational excellence is exemplified through her student-teacher relationships, communication with stakeholders, and highly engaging and innovative instructional practices. We are so proud that she is a part of the Couch Middle School family!”

Mrs. Apley Rose earned a B.S. in middle grades education, a M.Ed. in special education from Brenau University in Gainesville, GA, and an Ed.S. in mathematics education from the University of Georgia. She is certified in 4–12 mathematics, special education, gifted education, and as a Teacher Support Specialist.

Originally published at Gwinnett Magazine.