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Presidential Awards for Math & Science Teaching

Honors outstanding science and mathematics teachers who are leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education.

Program Information

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program are the highest recognition that an elementary or secondary mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive. The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Recipients serve as models for other science and mathematics teachers; help to inspire students to study mathematics and science; and serve as leaders in their disciplines. Each year, California can recommend three state nominees in mathematics teaching and three state nominees in science teaching to the NSF. During alternate years, the PAEMST program recognizes elementary and secondary level teachers.In 2024, only teachers teaching in Kindergarten through grade six (elementary level) will be recognized. Awards are given to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers.

Presidential Award recipients receive 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.

To begin the process, a mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher must be nominated using the NSF’s online Nomination Form which is available on the NSF web page External link opens in new window or tab..

State Finalists have the option to submit an addendum to their application.

Once nominated, candidates must submit a 30-minute, unedited video of a classroom lesson taught by the teacher and is consistent with the applicant’s narrative and provides in-depth evidence of the applicant’s knowledge and abilities. Candidates also complete a written application showing their depth of content knowledge, their exemplary pedagogical skills, and the data from increased student learning. The completed packet of nomination materials is submitted online at the designated NSF Web page.

Timeline of Events for 2023-24 Elementary Teachers
(Kindergarten through Grade Six)

  • Application Opens: Fall 2023
  • Nomination Deadline: To Be Determined
  • Application Deadline: To Be Determined

2023-24 Eligibility Criteria

Listed below are eligibility criteria for nominees. They must:

  • Teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the kindergarten through grade six 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 percent of the school’s allotted instruction time.
  • Have at least five years of full-time employment as a kindergarten through grade six teacher prior to the 2023-24 academic school year, with science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching duties during each of the past five years.
  • Teach in one of the 50 states, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. Jurisdictions of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or as a group American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and United States Virgin Islands.
  • Be a United States citizen or permanent resident.
  • Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category.

Awardees

Other Resources

  • National PAEMST Web Site External link opens in new window or tab.
    National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Web site 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.
Questions: PAEMST | paemst@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0198 
Last Reviewed: Monday, July 17, 2023