Nominate Inspirational Science and Math Teachers for Presidential Award

This week President Obama released his proposed budget for fiscal year 2013, which featured a heavy emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. And last week,during President Obama’s remarks at the second White House Science Fair, he said, “Every one of you can think of a teacher…without whom you would not be here. Give them a big thank you, not just for yourselves but also from me.  Because teachers matter.  They deserve our support.” Do you know teachers who have inspired students to believe in the impossible and to constantly strive towards excellence? Then consider nominating them for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

These awards are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching. More than 4,100 teachers from across the United States have been honored with PAEMST since the award’s inception more than 25 years ago. Nominations are being accepted for K through 6th grade teachers until April 1, 2012 at www.paemst.org. Nominations for 7th through 12th grade teachers will be accepted in the fall of 2012.

Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by President Obama, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). In past years, awardees have met with President Obama; Jill Biden; President Obama’s science and technology advisor John Holdren; NSF Director Subra Suresh; Secretary of Education Arne Duncan; Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Administrator Charlie Bolden, and Members of Congress.

Improving the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a top priority of this Administration, as exemplified by the President’s commitment to train 100,000 high-quality STEM teachers and graduate 1 million additional STEM professionals in the next decade. The PAEMST program is one way the White House can recognize and reward teacher excellence right now.

Anyone may nominate a teacher by completing the short nomination form at www.paemst.org. Teachers may also initiate the application process themselves at the same site. Teacher applications are due May 1, 2012.