Walnut High Science Teacher Named 2021 Presidential Award State Finalist

 WALNUT, CA--Walnut High School science teacher Garrett Lim has been honored as a California finalist for the 2021 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

He is among three exceptional science teachers lauded for excellence during an unprecedented year of remote learning and the COVID-19 viral pandemic.

“The teachers recognized today are giving students the tools to help them tackle difficulties, find creative solutions, ask questions, and be the problem-solvers we need for the challenges of tomorrow,” said State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.

Lim has been teaching for 14 years and helped develop and currently teaches the school’s first-ever International Baccalaureate Higher Level Chemistry course.

He was part of a district committee tasked with brainstorming how the Common Core curriculum could be implemented and integrated within the science classroom.

"To be honored as a finalist has been a surreal experience and can be attributed to the Walnut High School community,” Lim said.

 Lim credits support from Instructional Dean Barbie Cole, Principal Dr. Ryan Maine, and fellow chemistry educators around the country for their support and collaboration.

“They helped foster my professional growth to even be in a position to apply for this award.”

Walnut High senior Sabrina Li nominated her chemistry teacher for the recognition.

"Mr. Lim has been the most memorable and kindest STEM teacher I’ve ever had,” said Li who will attend Johns Hopkins University in the fall.

 “He inspires me to work hard every day and I would not be where I am without him."

 Each PAEMST applicant was required to display subject mastery, appropriate use of instructional methods and strategies, lifelong learning, and leadership in education outside the classroom, and 30-minute video lesson.

National PAEMST winners will be announced next fall.

“I hope for more success on the national level, but I am honestly blessed to even have made it this far!” Lim said.