The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science (including computer science) teaching. Established by Congress in 1983, the President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.
Awards are given to mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).
The award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. Since the program’s inception, more than 4,700 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.
Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM (including computer science) education. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
This year’s awards will honor mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers working in grades K-6. The following are eligibility criteria for applicants. Candidates must:
- Teach mathematics or science (including computer science) as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the K-6 grade level in a public (including charter), or private school.
- 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, with responsibilities for teaching students no less than 50% of the school’s allotted instructional time.
- Have at least five years of full-time employment as a K-12 teacher during which mathematics or science (including computer science) has been a part of the applicant’s teaching duties prior to the 2017-2018 academic school year.
- Teach in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category
Applications are due by May 1, 2018. To learn more, please visit the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Please note: Back to Basics Learning Dynamics is not a sponsor of, or partner of The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This post is simply to alert students, teachers and parents about a beneficial opportunity. Back to Basics is not affiliated with this organization or the selection of winners. For additional information, please visit The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
