As a school leader, you know better than anyone that teachers are the backbone of your school. Their commitment to serving the next generation and their dedication to going above and beyond make them pillars of the community. Now more than ever they deserve to be recognized for their excellence.
Are you looking for ways to celebrate teachers in your community?
Every year, through Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the President of the United States recognizes outstanding educators across the country who teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in kindergarten through 12th grade. Presidential Award recipients represent exceptional teaching in STEM education taking place in schools in every state and jurisdiction in the U.S. More than 5,200 PAEMST recipients have been recognized since Congress established the program in 1983.
Nominations for the award come from across the community: parents, students, colleagues, and school leaders like you.
The presidential award can change lives
Receiving a Presidential Award can change a teacher's life. In addition to receiving the honor of a lifetime, each presidential honoree receives:
- A certificate signed by the president of the United States.
- A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
- An all-expenses-paid trip to a recognition event, including an awards ceremony and opportunities to meet with policymakers at a series of professional development activities.
- Access to the alumni network and the opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the country.
In addition to this, the application process asks teachers to reflect deeply on their teaching experience and practices, providing a rewarding professional development experience to all who apply.
Many awardees continue to teach in their classrooms, while others move on to positions in school administration or as department chairs, participate in the preparation of future teachers at the university level, or work in teacher professional development.
The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and technology Policy (OSTP).
Past winners give credit to their directors
Past presidential award recipients share with us that the award served as recognition not only for themselves, but also for their schools, districts, and communities at large.
“It is a great source of pride and achievement to represent my community for providing excellence. This award is not only an honor for me, but also for my school district and my teacher mentors who have inspired excellence. Having good directors and mentors was essential in my path to excellence.”
Benjamin Jewell, 2010 I Michigan I Science K-6 Awardee
“This award is an incredible honor. It gives me a very public opportunity to wholeheartedly thank my family, friends, students, and the district for their support. I would also like to thank all the teachers, professors and coaches in my life who have helped me grow.”
Jacqueline Corricelli, awarded 2013 | Connecticut | 7-12 Mathematics
“This award honors and celebrates the collaboration and dedication of many colleagues, administrators, students and families who have supported, encouraged and inspired me daily. I am proud of the work that educators in my district do every day for our students. Receiving this award fuels my passion for teaching and my commitment to being a lifelong learner.”
Cheri DeSoto, 2018 awardee | Arkansas | K-6 Science
Nominate a teacher
It is an honor as a school to have a presidential award among you. Award-winning schools receive a banner to display proudly, and many host pep rallies and other celebrations to greet their new award-winning teachers. Even the act of nominating is a special nod to a teacher in your community: once nominated, you receive a certificate, and as a nominator, you even have the option to write a personalized message.
As a school leader, you know what high-quality teaching looks like in your school. We ask that you consider nominating a teacher today.
Nominate a teacher for a Presidential Award here.
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