“My motivation for teaching has always come from my interest in helping others become the best version of themselves,” Jaeschke said. “When I interact with students, my goal is to help them become more confident and capable people. High school students grow and change so much in four years.

“I believe in my students and consider it a privilege to interact with them each day.”

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching took notice of Jaeschke, naming her a state finalist for the award in math.

Jaeschke, along with Decorah’s Stephanie Steines, are up for the math honor, with Bradley Jacobson from Des Moines Public Schools and North Fayette Valley’s Carol Reierson the science finalists.

-Submitted photo
Sharon Jaeschke, a teacher at Southeast Valley High School, was named a state finalist for The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science. Jaeschke, here with two of her daughters, Katie and Geri, was also awarded the 2019 I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award.

All four will be honored on Oct. 14 in Des Moines at the Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics State Conference, with the winner of each category receiving a trip to Washington, D.C. among other awards.

Jaeschke, who is a 34-year teaching veteran, believes math and science are “important because in many ways our survival depends upon the appropriate use of these subjects.”

“Science education teaches students to interpret our universe and find ways to meet our present and future needs,” Jaeschke said. “Math is regarded as the language of science. In math courses, students learn how to measure and compare quantities so that we can scientifically study changes in our environment. Further, math education teaches students to create models which will allow more accurate predictions and conclusions. Effective math and science education give us greater power over our future.”

The awards are administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Since the program was created in 1983, more than 5,000 teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions have been recognized.

“When I received the news that I had been selected as a finalist, it felt like I received a pat on the back,” Jaeschke said. “Regardless of what you do, everyone appreciates acknowledgment of the effort they have put into something. I am honored and humbled to be included in this group of educators.”

Jaeschke has instructed junior high mathematics, high school math and directed the Talented and Gifted program. She has a master’s degree in mathematics from Iowa State University. She is also a coach for the SVHS Robotics Club and an assistant cross country coach.

She has seen first-hand how bringing together kids from several different communities can work at one school with Southeast Valley.

“We have an amazing group of dedicated and kind people working on behalf of students,” Jaeschke said. “We have a large district geographically, so some of our students have to ride the bus or drive a long time each day to attend our school. Once they arrive, though, students know that they will be welcomed and challenged to learn and grow. From the secretaries, to cooks, to associates, to teachers and administrators, we are all invested in the success of our students.”

Earlier this year, Jaeschke was also awarded with the 2019 I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award.