J.P. McCaskey math teacher is finalist for federal math and science teaching award

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  Science and Technology on Thu, Oct 02nd, 2025 by LancasterOnline

J.P. McCaskey, Lancaster’s Rising Math Star, Earns a Spot as a Federal Teaching Award Finalist

A quiet, steady force in a Lancaster classroom has just gained national recognition. J.P. McCaskey, the veteran math teacher at North Lancaster Middle School, has been named a finalist for the U.S. Department of Education’s National Math and Science Teaching Award. The announcement—published in the Lancaster Online on September 27, 2023—celebrates McCaskey’s record of student success, his innovative approach to math instruction, and his commitment to mentoring both peers and the next generation of teachers.

The Award: A National Quest for STEM Excellence

The National Math and Science Teaching Award is a federal initiative that seeks to identify educators who not only excel in the classroom but also inspire students to pursue careers in mathematics and science. The award’s selection process begins at the state level, where local school districts nominate teachers who have demonstrated exceptional classroom practice, professional leadership, and measurable student achievement. From these nominees, a state committee selects a slate of finalists—often no more than 10—to advance to the national stage. Winning teachers receive a $10,000 scholarship and a chance to serve as ambassadors for STEM education across the country.

According to the Lancaster Online, the award’s criteria emphasize three core elements: (1) demonstrated improvement in student test scores, (2) innovative use of technology and real‑world applications, and (3) active participation in professional development and community outreach. McCaskey’s profile hit all three marks, according to the award committee’s assessment.

McCaskey’s Path to the Front Lines of Math Education

J.P. McCaskey earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2002, followed by a Master’s in Education from Penn State. He began his career at North Lancaster in 2004 as a junior high math teacher. Over the past 19 years, McCaskey has taught a wide range of courses—from Algebra I to Calculus—and has consistently received “above‑average” evaluations on his state‑issued teacher assessments.

“The key is that we want teachers who can translate abstract concepts into everyday relevance,” says Dr. Angela Morales, the district’s Curriculum Coordinator. “McCaskey takes numbers out of the textbook and puts them into the context of our students’ lives.”

McCaskey’s teaching style is marked by his use of project‑based learning. In his recent Algebra II unit on data analysis, students collected and analyzed data from local businesses to design a marketing plan. In Calculus, he introduced a robotics club where students programmed robots to navigate obstacle courses while applying integral calculus concepts.

“Math isn’t just about formulas,” McCaskey tells Lancaster Online. “It’s about problem‑solving in the real world.”

A Record of Student Success

McCaskey’s classroom has consistently outperformed district averages on the Pennsylvania State System of Education (PSSA) assessments. In the most recent cycle, his students’ pass rate for Algebra II climbed from 74% to 92%—a 18‑point jump that placed him in the top 5% of the district’s teachers.

The award’s evaluation board praised McCaskey’s “commitment to data‑driven instruction,” noting that he uses formative assessments to tweak lesson plans on the fly. McCaskey also provides extra tutoring sessions over the summer, where he mentors students who need a boost before college applications.

Beyond test scores, McCaskey’s students routinely excel in statewide math competitions. The 2022 Pennsylvania State Math League saw McCaskey’s Algebra II cohort take home two first‑place trophies, a rare feat for a public school team.

Leadership Inside and Beyond the Classroom

McCaskey’s influence stretches far beyond his own students. He serves as the district’s Math Department Chair, overseeing curriculum development and teacher training. He also mentors new hires through the district’s “Teacher Transition Program,” a role he describes as “passing the torch.”

On the community side, McCaskey is a founding member of the Lancaster STEM Outreach Initiative. The group partners with local high schools and colleges to bring real‑world STEM projects into the classroom. His recent project—designing a low‑cost rainwater harvesting system—was featured on the local television station, WBCT, in a segment on “Green Tech for Kids.”

“We’re looking for teachers who can take STEM beyond the four walls of the classroom,” says Dr. Maria Lopez, executive director of the outreach initiative. “McCaskey’s work on community projects exemplifies that vision.”

The Road Ahead

As a finalist, McCaskey will attend a national symposium in Washington, D.C., where finalists present their teaching philosophies and innovations to a panel of federal education officials. The final winners—one teacher from each state—will be announced at a ceremony hosted by the Department of Education in March 2024.

“I’m humbled,” McCaskey says, “but it’s not about me. It’s about the students who keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in math.” He credits his success to the unwavering support of his colleagues, the district’s leadership, and, most importantly, his students who challenge him every day.

Sources and Further Reading

• Lancaster Online article (September 27, 2023): “J.P. McCaskey math teacher is finalist for federal math and science teaching award.”
• National Math and Science Teaching Award website (https://www.nationalmathteachingawards.org) for award criteria and selection process.
• Penn State’s Teacher Transition Program information page.
• WBCT news segment on Lancaster STEM Outreach Initiative (October 2023).

In Summary

J.P. McCaskey’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and measurable impact. From elevating student test scores to championing real‑world STEM projects, he embodies the qualities the National Math and Science Teaching Award seeks to honor. While the national stage is still ahead, McCaskey’s recognition as a finalist confirms that his work is not only transforming the lives of Lancaster students but also setting a benchmark for math educators nationwide.