The National Science Foundation (NSF) is currently accepting nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). PAEMST is the highest recognition that a Kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science educator may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Since 1983, more than 5,100 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. Up to 108 awardees may be recognized each year.
Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States; a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities; and a $10,000 award from NSF. They also join a prestigious network of award-winning teachers from across the country.
Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate a teacher by completing the nomination form. To submit a nomination, you’ll need the teacher’s name, email address, and school contact information. Teachers may also initiate the application process themselves at www.paemst.org.
An applicant must:
· teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the 7-12 grade level in a public (including charter) or private school;
· hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;
· be full-time employee of the school or school district as determined by state/jurisdiction 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 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science has been a part of the applicant’s teaching duties prior to the 2022-2023 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, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands);
· be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and
· not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category.
For 7-12 grade levels, the nomination deadline is January 9, 2023, and the application deadline is February 6, 2023. Grade levels K-6 will be eligible to apply during the following cycle but will not be considered for this cycle.
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Contact Information
If you have questions, please contact LaShona Burkes, Ph.D. at lashona.burkes@doe.nj.gov. As always, the NJDOE appreciates your collaboration in nationally recognizing the great work of New Jersey’s outstanding STEM teachers.