Presidential Awards for Math & Science Teaching

Pause of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program

On July 18, 2025, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced that it will pause the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program until further notice.

For more information about the program, please visit the PAEMST NSF web page.

Program Information

The PAEMST program was the highest recognition that an elementary or secondary mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive. The PAEMST program was administered by the NSF on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Recipients served as models for other science and mathematics teachers; helped to inspire students to study mathematics and science; and served as leaders in their disciplines. Each year, California was able to recommend three state nominees in mathematics teaching and three state nominees in science teaching to the NSF. During alternate years, the PAEMST program recognized elementary and secondary level teachers.

The California Department of Education (CDE) partnered with the California Mathematics Council and the California Association of Science Educators to recruit and select nominees for the PAEMST program.

Prior to the program's pause, Presidential Award recipients received the following: a certificate signed by the President of the United States; a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities; a $10,000 award from the NSF; and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.

Past Awardees

List of California past awardees(XLSX)

Other Resources

• National PAEMST website
  National Science Foundation’s (NSF) website for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Resources include background information on PAEMST, award process (including current application), listing of awardees, and state coordinators. NSF administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
  
• CDE Mathematics Education
  Resources and information for enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers and links to foundational documents which guide California's mathematics instruction.
• CDE Science Education
  Resources and information for enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers and links to foundational documents which guide California's science instruction.