Two Birdville ISD educators have received prestigious state awards for their contributions to the improvement of mathematics education.

Dr. Brenda Mesa, BISD Assistant Director of Curriculum, and Sara Stieg, seventh grade honors and eighth grade Algebra I honors teacher at North Ridge Middle School, each received recognitions. Dr. Mesa received the E. Glenadine Gibb Achievement Award from the Texas Council of Teachers of Mathematics (TCTM), while Ms. Stieg is a state finalist for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The E. Grenadine Gibb Achievement Award is named for Elizabeth Glenadine Gibb, who was a professor and mathematics educator at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Mesa has served as the BISD secondary mathematics coordinator, a mathematics specialist, and a high school math teacher. In addition, she has also served as an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University and Southern Methodist University.

"I am truly honored to receive the Glenadine Gibb Achievement Award," Dr. Mesa said. "As a young teacher, I was fortunate to be mentored by passionate educators who invested in me, and I carry that legacy forward by supporting and nurturing the next generation of math teachers and leaders."

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the nation's highest honors for K-12 teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).The PAEMST recognizes outstanding educators from across the country who teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) at either an elementary or secondary grade level. 

Recipients of the Presidential Award represent the best of STEM education — demonstrating deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable student success.

Ms. Stieg was recognized as the PAEMST finalist for the state of Texas at the June State Board of Education (SBOE) Meeting in Austin and at the state math conference, the Conference for the Advancement of Mathematics (CAMT), in San Antonio. Ms. Stieg has served on the state review panel for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and currently serves on the BISD secondary math curriculum customization team.