Search
Close this search box.

Fort Walton Beach High School’s Jacqueline Sheffield receives nation’s top teaching honor

A Fort Walton Beach High School mathematics educator was among 336 teachers nationwide to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest U.S. government recognition for K-12 math and science teachers.
OCSD

Jacqueline Sheffield, a veteran mathematics teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, has been named a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

  • President Joe Biden announced Sheffield as one of 336 recipients of the PAEMST and Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring on Jan. 13.

Sheffield, who has taught mathematics for 28 years, including 24 years at Fort Walton Beach High School, teaches Algebra 2 Honors and Advanced Placement Statistics. Before joining Fort Walton Beach High School, she taught at Davidson Middle School.

“Jacqueline Sheffield’s commitment to her students and her profession is truly inspiring,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Her distinction as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching reflects her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and her ability to inspire a love of learning in her students.”

The PAEMST, established in 1983, recognizes K-12 mathematics and science teachers who demonstrate deep content knowledge, exceptional teaching ability, and dedication to improving STEM education. Recipients undergo a rigorous selection process, evaluated by panels of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at state and national levels.

  • Award recipients receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation and will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our Okaloosa family and thank her for her positive impact on countless students over the years,” Chambers added.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

Vera Scavuzza commented on WordroW: August 14, 2026
“02:10 5 attempts”
Respond
Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 14, 2026
“2:00, 5 attempts”
Respond
“Why should golf carts get special spots? If they can park in regular car parking spots, just make them all the same.”
Respond
“Next the county needs to ban them”
Respond
“Thank you city council!!!! We don't need these!”
Respond
“Good Job! We live in Fort Walton and have been spending time in Fredericksburg, Virginia...the data center capital of the world. You have made a very good decision.”
Respond
“At minimum, reduce property tax for senior citizens. Property taxes normally increase yearly but senior's income doesn't. Every time we get a social security raise, our Medicare premiums go up....”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.