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Presidential Awards

teacher and students working on a math problem

Presidential Awards

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Logo

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. The Awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.

Awards are given to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).

The award recognizes those teachers have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Since the program's inception, more than 4,800 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the Nation's teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Why Apply?

Recipients of the award receive the following:

  • A certificate 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

Eligibility

For the 2024-25 award year, applicants must:

  • Teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or science as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the 7-12 grade level in a public (including charter) or private school
  • Hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution 
  • Be full-time employees of the school or district as determined by state and district policies, with responsibilities for teaching students no less than 50% of the school's allotted instructional time
  • Have at least five years of full-time employment as a K-12 teacher prior to 2024-25 academic school year during which science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science has been a part of the applicant's teaching duties each of the five years
  • Teach in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands)
  • Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category

Nomination 

Anyone may nominate exceptional individuals who teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science in grades 7-12 for the 2024-25 program year. Nominations can be made at https://paemst.nsf.gov/ now through January 9, 2025. Applications are due by February 6, 2025. Teachers interested in applying may also start the application themselves by visiting the website. 

Once a teacher is nominated or initiates the application process, the teacher will receive an email invitation to continue the application process. The invitation will include login information for accessing the online application system. 

Volunteer for Michigan's PAEMST Program

If you work for an ISD or RESA, higher education, or another organization that promotes excellence in mathematics and science teaching, we would love to have you share your time with Michigan's PAEMST program as a mentor or reviewer. Mentors work with applicants to ensure application responses and materials showcase the applicant's teaching ability. Reviewers are responsible for reading and scoring completed applications and selecting our state's mathematics and science finalists each year. Individuals working as mentors or reviewers are eligible for stipends in recognition of their time and efforts. 

If you have any questions or want to become involved, please contact Conni Crittenden, Michigan's state coordinator.