February 26, 2025
Amber Fyre, 2005 Mayville State graduate, has been selected to receive a Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the top honor bestowed by the U.S. Government to K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Fyre’s recognition includes a $10,000 award and an invitation to visit the White House.
Upon learning that she was selected for the award, Amber said, “The Presidential Award celebrates and acknowledges educators who provide authentic and engaging classrooms. This award is not just an award for me, but an award from my colleagues and mentors who pushed me to be better, to reach all students, and to try new strategies. It is validation of the passion and time required to create authentic and meaningful learning opportunities. I am surrounded by amazing educators and students who teach me daily, and I am humbled to be a recipient of the award.”
Amber is an educator in the high school and junior high classroom, teaching 7th through 12th grade at Wyndmere (N.D.) Public School. As the school’s only science teacher, Amber teaches many subjects, including life science, earth science, physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics. She has also taught anatomy, ecology, and physical education classes. Prior to being at Wyndmere, she taught at Milnor (N.D.) Public School.
Amber collaborates with colleagues and her administration to create meaningful Professional Learning Communities (PLC) for staff. She developed a breakout session for southeast North Dakota teachers on the importance of STEM in the classroom and helped guide them on how to create STEM days for their schools. In addition, Amber leads local presentations around identifying power standards in order to guide the curriculum.
In her physics class, Amber implements the Innovation System Project for the Increased Recruitment of Emerging STEM Students (InSPIRESS) outreach program through the University of Alabama and NASA. This program helps to develop skills required in many STEM fields.
Each year, up to 110 outstanding educators from across the country may be recognized by the White House for their passion, dedication, and impact in the classroom. The program was established by Congress in 1983.
According to Scott Strenge, Wyndmere High School Principal, “Mrs. Fyre has brought a NASA engineering program to Wyndmere School district and is our lead facilitator for past school-wide STEAM Days.”
During her 19-year teaching career, Amber Fyre has taught two chiropractors, one eye doctor, two physical therapists, four medical doctors, three pharmacists, and one dentist.
“She is an exceptional science teacher and has had a huge impact on all our students since 2010,” said Strenge.
Amber (Karlstad) Fyre is a Mayville, N.D. native. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in composite biology and physical education from Mayville State University and a Master of Science degree from North Dakota State University.
Previous recipients of the PAEMST Award who are Mayville State graduates include Andrew Braaten, Jon Fugleberg, John Hobbs, Delise Kirkeide, Ila LaChapelle, Neil Pederson, Fred Strand, Lawrence Walker, and Nancy Zimney. Mayville State alumnus Anna Dean Fugere won the award for math in the state of Wyoming. Though she was not a Mayville State graduate, Vicki Fugleberg, who was from Portland, N.D., also won the award.