WAKEFIELD — Superintendent Douglas Lyons and Principal TJ Liberti proudly share that Dolbeare Elementary School Grade 3 Teacher Ashleigh Cardarelli has been named a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
The PAEMST honors teachers in STEM from across the nation who have a deep knowledge of the subjects they teach and their ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Awardees demonstrate a passion and dedication to their profession, and the positive impact highly effective teachers have on student achievement.
The PAEMST is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 STEM teachers.
Cardarelli was nominated by a peer who filled out an application requiring short essays, reference letters, student and parent testimonials, and even a classroom video of one of Cardarelli’s math lessons.
On Friday, June 7, Dolbeare Elementary students, each bearing t-shirts in their grade’s color for Field Day, gathered in the gymnasium for a special assembly.
Principal Liberti opened the assembly by reminding the students of the District’s core values, “Be Kind. Be Safe. Be Respectful,” and then introduced two special guests from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jennifer Sauriol and Casandra Gonzalez, who recognized Cardarelli for this achievement.
Gonzalez began, “Today we gather to celebrate the achievement of one of your teachers in being one of our state finalists, Mrs. Cardarelli.”
Before she could finish, the gymnasium erupted in applause from both students and staff. As Cardarelli approached the stage, her classroom of 24 students in the front row cheered her on while beaming with pride.
“We are proud to recognize Mrs. Cardarelli as a finalist for this honor, and you truly are fortunate to have her as a teacher in your school,” Gonzalez said.
Cardarelli was presented with a PAEMST finalist tote bag. Her students joined her for a photo on the stage.
After the assembly, Cardarelli’s students had a lot to say about their teacher. They noted her intelligence, kindness, and positivity in the classroom.
One student noted how much he’s learned from Cardarelli, citing one of his math lessons from the past year: “When I came into third grade, I had no idea what the letters meant in equations, and now I know!”
Another student reflected, “I didn’t think anyone could be better than any of my past teachers. Mrs. Cardarelli proved me wrong.”
“It was a rigorous application process and taking the time to reflect on my practice was illuminating,” said Cardarelli. “I am honored to be recognized as a finalist, but the true recognition belongs to my incredible students. Building relationships with them and witnessing their growth and success is what it is all about for me!”
As the Massachusetts State Finalist, Cardarelli represents the Commonwealth in the PAEMST National Level Selection Process.
“Ashleigh’s nomination for this award is so well-deserved. She possesses a deep content knowledge of math. This combined with her genuine love and care for her students, makes her an exceptional educator,” said Superintendent Lyons.
Ashleigh Cardarelli, center, Dolbeare Elementary School Grade 3 teacher, stands with her students, DESE representatives, and Wakefield administrators during an assembly where she was recognized as a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. (Photo Courtesy Wakefield Public Schools) 
Dolbeare Principal TJ Liberti opens the assembly on Friday, June 7. (Photo Courtesy Wakefield Public Schools) 
DESE Representatives Casandra Gonzalez, left, and Jennifer Sauriol, right, present a PAEMST tote to finalist Ashleigh Cardarelli. (Photo Courtesy Wakefield Public Schools)
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