About the Awards
What Are the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching?
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1983, this program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Schools; and the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science.
In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.
Why Apply?
Recipients of the award receive the following:
- A citation signed by the President of the United States.
- A paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.
- A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
In addition to recognizing outstanding teaching in mathematics or science, the program provides teachers with an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation. This growing network of award-winning teachers serves as a vital resource for improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and keeping America globally competitive.
Who Is Eligible?
Awards alternate between elementary and secondary teachers, as shown below.| Application Opens |
Nomination Deadline |
Application Deadline |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Teachers (K-6) | Fall 2009 | 04/01/2010 | 05/03/2010 |
| Secondary Teachers (7-12) | Fall 2010 | 04/01/2011 | 05/01/2011 |
The following are eligibility criteria for nominees. They must:
- Teach mathematics or science at the K-6th grade level (2010 deadline) or 7-12th grade level (2011 deadline) in a public or private school.
- Teach in one of the 50 states or the four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Schools; and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
- Hold at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Be a full-time employee of the school or school district as determined by state and district policies, and teach at least 50% of the time.
- Have at least 5 years of full-time, K-12 teacher experience prior to the 2009-2010 academic school year (2010 deadline) or prior to the 2010-2011 academic school year (2011 deadline).
- Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category.
