Know an Excellent Math or Science Teacher? Nominate Them for the Presidential Award!

Do you know an excellent math or science teacher in Idaho? Nominate them for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching – the highest recognition a K-12 math or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Nominations are now being accepted online for secondary math and science teachers in grades 7-12.

Enacted by Congress in 1983, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions.

The teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. 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 the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Recipients of the award receive the following:

• A citation signed by the President of the United States.
• A paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.
• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

This year, the eligibility requirements have been updated slightly. Here are the requirements for nominating a teacher this year:

• Teach mathematics or science at the 7-12th grade level in a public 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, and teach K-12 students at least 50% of the time.
• Have at least 5 years of full-time, K-12 mathematics or science teaching experience prior to 2010-2011 academic school year. 
• Teach in one of the 50 states or the four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Schools; and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
• Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category.

Go online to nominate an Idaho teacher for this prestigious award today! You can also see a list of prior Presidential Awards recipients from the State of Idaho.

~ Melissa M.