By: Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Martinsburg High School teacher Renee Haines recently received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
This award recognizes teachers all over the country who are dedicated to teaching the next generation and making a lasting impact on their communities.
Haines decided to become a teacher while she was in college. She had a passion for biology and was considering pursuing a career working in a lab or even going to medical school. She decided instead to become a teacher, getting her master’s in education. She then returned to her alma mater, Martinsburg High School, where she has been a teacher for 17 years.
Haines was first nominated for the award by former Superintendent Patrick Murphy back in 2020. She was named a finalist in 2021, but it took several more years for PAEMST to announce the awardees. It was only this year that it officially named Haines a 2021 award winner.
Haines believes it was the longest wait in PAEMST history. She and the other nominees would check with one another every few months to see if they heard anything.
“I was shocked to see that I was selected,” Haines said. “I read the other reports written by the other nominees, and I honestly thought one of them would win because of all the amazing things they were doing.”
Haines shared that when she first got the email, she wasn’t sure if it was real. She called her husband and asked him if it was actually true. After many years of waiting, Haines was honored to be recognized. She enjoys teaching her students and giving them a solid understanding of biology as they prepare for the future.
“Science explains how the world works, while anatomy explains how the body works,” Haines said. “I want students to go forward in life with a solid base of knowledge, so they can go to the doctor and make the best decision for themselves.”
When Haines first applied to the PAEMST, she had to write several reports and create a video of her teaching. The students who were a part of that video are now in their senior year of college. Haines shared that though she lost contact with many of them, she hopes they know how much she appreciated their help. Haines has had many other former students congratulate her for this achievement.
Haines is now a member of a group of teachers that works together to come up with new ideas and share other professional development opportunities that she wouldn’t have access to otherwise. This award will give her more chances to grow and help her students develop. Haines shared a special thanks to her co-workers and family who supported her, as well as her students.