Andy Kotko, a first-grade teacher at Mather Heights Elementary School, has been named by President Obama as one of the best math and science teachers in the country.

The White House honored Kotko on Monday with the 2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest recognition bestowed upon the nation’s math and science teachers.

Kotko has twice been a finalist for this prestigious honor. Kotko and 212 other winners from throughout the country will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and travel to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 8.

Kotko makes learning look effortless in his classroom. His young students dig deep - and have fun - while exploring complex mathematical concepts through hands-on projects and group work. 

“Teachers transform lives by inspiring and equipping students as lifelong learners,” Kotko told the National Science Foundation. “I am grateful for the many educators who have invested in my teaching practice as well as for the colleagues and families that work beside me each day. This honor is also a testimony to the great effort of the students under my guidance who work diligently to grow in their mathematics understanding.”

Andy has been an educator for 14 years and is a founding teacher at the District’s Academy for Advanced Learning, a public magnet school at Mather Heights Elementary focused on inquiry and project-based learning. He also earned National Board Certification in 2007, one of the most difficult professional designations to earn in teaching.

“Our school district is fortunate to have a teacher of Andy’s caliber on our team, and our students are even luckier,” said Folsom Cordova Superintendent Deborah Bettencourt. “Andy embodies the very best of the profession, and we are proud for him to represent the hundreds of teachers in Folsom Cordova schools who work tirelessly to improve students’ lives.”

Kotko is also a leader outside of the classroom. This year, he is chairman of the California Teacher Advisory Council, an organization that provides teacher expertise to policymakers whose decisions impact science and math instruction in the state. In 2014, Kotko spoke to Congress about improving teacher-training in universities.

Kotko earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from California State University, Sacramento.