West Middle School science teacher Sami Peterson was named the recipient of the 2024 Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers from the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). The award honors association members who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of science instruction in their first five years of teaching.
The Maitland P. Simmons Award is particularly esteemed within the educational community for its recognition of promising new talent in the field. Sami Peterson's achievements as a teacher and leader have earned her this well-deserved honor.
“This year’s awardees are focused on building their capacity as science teachers to ensure that all of their students are knowledgeable citizens or well-started scientists,” said Julie Luft, president of NSTA. “As teachers, they are curating our future by meeting the unique learning needs of every student.”
In addition to teaching at West Middle School, Peterson has taken on additional leadership roles at her school. She was accepted onto the Building Instructional Leadership Team, she leads the school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance, participates in the Restorative Culture Team, is chair of the Science Department, and serves as building representative.