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?
Each year, through the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the President of the United States recognizes outstanding educators from across the country who teach K-12 science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Recipients of the Presidential Award represent the exceptional teaching in STEM education happening in schools across every state and U.S. jurisdiction. More than 5,200 PAEMST awardees have been recognized since the program was established by Congress in 1983.
Nominations for the award come from across the community – parents, students, colleagues, and school leaders just 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 Awardee 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, which includes an award ceremony and opportunities to meet with policymakers in a series of professional development activities
- Access to the alumni network and the opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation
On top of this, the application process asks teachers to reflect deeply on their experience and teaching practices, providing a rewarding professional development experience to all who apply.
Many awardees continue teaching in their classrooms, while others move on to positions in school administration or as department chairs, become involved in preparing 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 Awardees Credit Their Principals
Past Presidential Awardees share with us that the award served as recognition not only for them, but also for their schools, districts, and broader communities.
“It is a great source of pride and accomplishment to represent my community for providing excellence. This award is not only an honor for me, but also my school district and teaching mentors who have inspired excellence. Having good principals and mentors was essential in my journey to excellence.”
Benjamin Jewell, 2010 Awardee I Michigan I K-6 Science
“This award is an amazing honor. It provides me with a very public opportunity to give my heartfelt thanks to my family, friends, students, and district for their support. I would also like to thank all of the teachers, professors, and coaches in my life who have helped me to grow.”
Jacqueline Corricelli, 2013 Awardee | 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 the educators in my district do each day for our students. Receiving this award fuels my passion for teaching and my commitment to being a life-long learner.”
Cheri DeSoto, 2018 Awardee | Arkansas | K-6 Science
Nominate a Teacher
It is an honor as a school to have a Presidential Awardee in your midst. Award-winning schools receive a banner to proudly display and many host pep rallies and other celebrations to ring in their new award-winning teachers. Even the act of nominating is a special nod to a teacher in your community – once nominated, they 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 in your school looks like. We ask you to consider nominating a teacher today.
Nominate a teacher for a Presidential Award here.
- PAEMST honors teachers in communities like yours - October 2, 2024
- Six tips for districts to avoid the next funding cliff - June 3, 2024
- Smarter Classrooms for Today and Tomorrow - May 1, 2024
