The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through twelfth-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive. 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 mathematics and science education.
The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The program honors outstanding science and mathematics teachers from every state and the four U.S. jurisdictions. Each year, California can recommend two mathematics teachers and two science teachers for PAEMST consideration. Since the program’s beginning 25 years ago, 76 California teachers have been named Presidential Award recipients.
Recipients of the PAEMST award are honored at the White House and receive a citation signed by the President of the United States. They also receive a $10,000 award from the NSF, and various gifts from program sponsors.
The application process involves four phases:
- Nomination
- Completion of an application
- State and national competition
- FBI background check (for finalists)
This year, the nomination process will use the PAEMST online application form. The process takes just a few minutes. Teachers may be nominated by either a principal or a teaching peer. Nominations will be accepted through March 1, 2008.
Once nominated, the candidate must submit an application packet using the online application system. The application includes an extensive written response and a 45-minute unedited video of a classroom science or mathematics lesson taught by the teacher. Candidates provide evidence about how their deep content knowledge and exemplary pedagogical skills have resulted in increased student achievement. Applications are due by May 1, 2008.
At the state level, applications will be reviewed by panels of selected subject matter experts and classroom professionals. They will be evaluated on evidence provided about NSF's Dimensions of Outstanding Teaching. These five criteria are:
- Personal mastery of mathematics or science content at the level that the teacher is currently teaching and beyond.
- Use of instructional methods and strategies that are appropriate for the learning styles of the students in the classroom and that result in increased student achievement.
- Effective use of student assessment tools to evaluate, monitor, and improve student achievement.
- Reflection on and analysis of teaching strategies and practices to improve instructional delivery and student outcomes.
- Participation in and leadership for professional development and growth opportunities and activities to improve personal mastery of content, increase pedagogical effectiveness, provide mentorship or support for other teachers, or lead professional development programs.
At the national level, NSF convenes a selection committee composed of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics and science educators, and past awardees who review the application packets of the state finalists and recommend to the President of the United States a single finalist in each category (mathematics or science) for each state or jurisdiction.
