Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Your Chance to Nominate Outstanding Teachers!

Administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House, this award is the highest honor in the nation that teachers of mathematics or science may receive for outstanding teaching in their respective fields.

The application process for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching involves four phases:

• Nomination
• Completion of an application
• State and national competition
• FBI background check (for finalists)

Applications are due by May 1 annually. Awards alternate between elementary and secondary teachers, as shown below.

This year, the call is for secondary school teachers (grades 7–12) to compete. Award recipients receive:

• A citation signed by the President of the United States
• A paid trip for two to Washington, DC, to attend a weeklong series of recognition events and professional development opportunities
• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
• Gifts from program sponsors from around the country
• The chance to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the Nation

All applications will be submitted online.

The next deadline for secondary school teachers is May 1, 2009. Visit www.paemst.org for eligibility requirements, nomination guidelines, application information, and to apply online.

Since 1983, more than 3,700 teachers from the 50 States and 4 U.S. jurisdictions (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) have been selected to join the dynamic network of Presidential Awardees. The network serves as a vital resource for improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and helping to keep America globally competitive.