Congressman pays visit to Marlboro H.S. class

MARLBORO - The students in Margaret Dever's calculus classes were recently treated to a discussion with New Jersey Rep. Rush Holt, who came toMarlboro High School to honor Dever during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Holt's Central Jersey district includes part of Marlboro. He came to recognize Dever, who was recently named a winner of the 2007 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The National Science Foundation sponsors the PAEMST awards.

According to the National Science Foundation's Internet Web site, "The PAEMST was established in 1983. The program identifies outstanding mathematics and science teachers, kindergarten through 12th grade, in each state and the four U.S. jurisdictions.

"These teachers are leaders in the field of science and mathematics education and serve as models for their colleagues and leaders for their profession. The competition alternates each year between teachers of grades K-6 and teachers of grades 7-12. This presidential award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on classroom teachers of mathematics and science."

Dever, a resident of Old Bridge, has been a teacher at Marlboro High School for 37 years. Marlboro High School's former principal James Mullevey nominated her for the award.

After being named an award winner, Dever was treated to a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., where professional development workshops and a series of recognition events were held. She said the honorees were put on a pedestal, which was very humbling. Dever said that during the trip she was able to meet colleagues from around the country who also won the presidential award.

In addition to the trip to Washington, D.C., winners receive a citation signed by the president, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and gifts from program sponsors around the country, according to the PAEMST Web site.

Dever said she received word that Holt would be visiting her classroom in Marl- boro after he was unable to meet the award winners in Washington, D.C.

"We were honored to have him," Dever said of Holt's visit and described it as an exciting experience for the students.

The teacher said Holt spoke with the students about science and how it impacts some of the bills being worked on in Congress. With a majority of the students being interested in politics, Dever said the teenagers were actively involved in the chat.

"I love what I do, so winning this award was the icing on the cake," Dever said. "I'm very lucky to have done something I love all my life."