The Department of Education announced that Virginia will participate in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST program was established in 1983 by the White House and is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology. The program identifies outstanding science and mathematics teachers, kindergarten through grade 12, in each state and the four United States jurisdictions. The PAEMST awardees serve as models for their colleagues and are leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education.
Recognition is given to teachers of kindergarten through grade 12 in four award groups: elementary mathematics (K-6), elementary science (K-6), secondary mathematics (7-12), and secondary science (7-12). In 2016, up to ten state finalists at the elementary level will be selected from Virginia (up to five in each group). From these 2016 state finalists, a national committee will choose up to two national-level awardees (one in each award group) from Virginia. Each national awardee will receive a $10,000 personal award and an all-expense paid trip to recognition events and other activities in Washington, D.C.
The deadline for nominations from individuals, including students, parents, teachers, and administrators, is April 1, 2016. The nomination form should be completed early enough to ensure that the nominated teacher is given enough time to prepare an application that reflects exemplary teaching. The nomination form and the application packet must be submitted electronically. The nomination form and the application packet as well as complete directions are available on the PAEMST Web site. A completed nomination form must be submitted electronically with each application. All applications are due May 1, 2016.
