Staff writer
BRADLEY JAGER North Rock Creek High School’s Charity Hobbs has received the prestigious 2025 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for K–12 STEM educators.
“I was very humbled and honored, very excited. I just felt all of the emotions,” said Hobbs.
Each state selected one math and one science teacher to be awarded.
The award comes with a $10,000 cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. this summer, where Hobbs will be honored with a signed certificate from the President.
With 27 years of experience in education, including the past five years at North Rock Creek, Hobbs has played a crucial role in shaping the new school’s math program, by adding a 3D printer, a laser cutter, and pioneering a music lab into her curriculum.
“We’re making art and music out of math.” Said Hobbs. “If you could only hear the things these students create using math,” she added.
One student, using Hobb’s teachings, recreated the North Rock Creek fight song using math.
“I love to see students get those light bulb moments when things just connect.” she added.
“She has always gone above and beyond” Said Chad Brooking, one of North Rock Creek’s two principals.
“I didn’t even know about the $10,000,” Said Hobbs.
The money was used to help pay for Hobb’s 16 year old daughter’s first car.
“Mrs. Hobbs works hard to help students succeed,” Said Brooking, “She has been instrumental in developing our math curriculum and supporting both students and staff.” He added.
To be considered, teachers must be nominated by an administrator. Hobbs was nominated in 2023 and then advanced through a rigorous multi-stage selection process at both the state and national levels, including a 16 page paper and 30 minute video of her teaching.
Hobbs teaching career began at her own former highschool in Tecumseh where her own math teacher Mrs. Weir became an important mentor. “She really mentored and taught me all the things I didn’t learn in college.”
After teaching in Tecumseh high school for several years Hobbs felt a need to teach middle school. “I realized that my students who were struggling in math just didn’t have a good grasp on the middle school fundamentals.” So to best help her students, Hobbs moved temporarily to middle school education.
The desire to see students succeed didn’t end in Tecumseh middle school. Now Hobbs choses stay late most days to help with math tutoring, and has worked hard at building up North Rock Creek’s 4-H chapter. “4-H helps kids find their fit an d do the things they love,” said Hobbs.
“I’ve loved teaching ever since I was a little kid,”said Hobbs“My dad was a math teacher too so I’ve always wanted to follow in his footsteps.” she added.