John Blackwell Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching
By CHLOÉ LIND and CIARA O’NEILL
On Jan. 13, the White House announced the 306 recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching with the Academy’s very own John Blackwell, an instructor in physics and astronomy, being one of those honored.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science teaching, or PAEMST for short, recognizes elementary or secondary school educators who teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, and have made significant impacts on their field by doing so. It is regarded as the highest honor that a schoolteacher can receive. Some of the country’s most talented educators have received the prestigious award since its establishment by Congress in 1983, including a past Exeter instructor, Instructor in Mathematics Emeritus Richard Brown.
The award ceremony, set to take place in Washington, D.C., will feature the recipients reviewing a certificate signed by President Joe Biden and a monetary award from the National Science Foundation amounting to $10,000. Awardees are also given a trip to Washington D.C to receive the award, attend recognition events, and professionally develop and finetune their own skills.
Blackwell’s passion for STEM has been ever-present. Blackwell graduated from college with degrees in flight operations, aviation management, and astronomy, the discipline that would set the trajectory of his career. Blackwell then proceeded to do engineering work at various startups before coming to Exeter at the beginning of the 2004 school year to pursue teaching, and be the newly appointed director of the Grainger Observatory.
“I love teaching astronomy, as it is the science I most enjoy to study and share with others. Seeing students grasp the magnitude, scale and awe of the Universe is rewarding.” Blackwell commented.
As the universe is expanding, so are his responsibilities as the director of the Grainger Observatory. Blackwell is responsible for the operations, maintenance, design and use of the astronomy resources on campus for the students of the academy and the public who frequent the academy-maintained observatory.
Additionally, he is responsible for the annual facility budget which is used to maintain and purchase new equipment to better equip students in their study of string theory, space-time continuum, or whichever enthralling topic Blackwell brings to the Harkness table.
Though Blackwell noted that many of his favorite memories at the Academy were at the observatory. Blackwell shared, “I enjoy watching students’ reactions to seeing the planet Saturn for the first time or comprehending how many stars are in a galaxy we see through the telescope.”
On a more simplistic scale, Blackwell touched on the joy imparting astronomy and physics knowledge on his students brought him. “One of my favorite memories teaching at Exeter was experiencing a class’s reaction when they suddenly use all the material necessary to answer a complex problem and the joy they get out of their success.” A true mentor at heart, Blackwell has been commended for the degree to which he centers his students.
Senior Abigail Sears described her four terms with Blackwell: “I was so proud when I saw he received the award. In my entire time at Exeter, I cannot think of a teacher more deserving. He has such a passion for teaching and it’s so evident. From him taking us out to the observatory in sub zero weather to him bringing us outside to look through solar telescopes… I loved every minute of those classes.”
Blackwell’s impact on students at Exeter is profound, with him valuing the students’ experience over all else. It is a joy to know that his teaching and spirit is being recognized not only by Exonians, but by Americans throughout the country.
