Ellis Elementary’s Melonie Yielding is a state finalist for President’s science/math teaching award

Melonie Yielding, a teacher at Prince William County’s Ellis Elementary School in Manassas, is one of six K-6 grade teachers (four elementary, two middle) in Virginia selected as state finalists for the 2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Yielding’s specialty is science.

The award — regarded as the nation’s top honor for mathematics and science teachers — recognizes teachers who develop and implement high-quality instructional programs that improve student learning.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House. Each year, the award alternates between teachers in grades K-6 and teachers in grades 7-12.

The program was established by Congress in 1983 and authorizes the president to bestow up to 108 awards each year to honor outstanding mathematics and science teachers in the 50 states and in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense schools and schools in federal territories.

The Virginia finalists were selected from among more than 80 nominees by committees convened by the Virginia Department of Education.

The 2016 winners will be announced by the president next year. The winners will receive $10,000, a presidential certificate and a trip to the nation’s capital for a series of recognition events and professional development activities.