presidential awards for math and science medal on blue background

Are you an exceptional elementary (K-6) science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics teacher or do you know one? The call for applications and nominations is now open for The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics teaching.  

Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education. Since 1983, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to STEM education. Up to 110 teachers are recognized each year.

Presidential Awardees receive:

  • A certificate signed by the President of the United States
  • A trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities
  • A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
  • Access to a network of award-winning teachers from across the country

Who Can Nominate?

Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate exceptional science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics teachers. NOMINATION DEADLINE: January 8, 2024

Who Can Apply?

Elementary school science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics teachers (K–6) can apply this year. Secondary school teachers (7–12) will be eligible to apply during a future cycle. APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 6, 2024.

Applicant must...

  • teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the K-6 grade level in a public (including charter) or private school;
  • hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution;
  • be a full-time employee of their school or school 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 the 2023-2024 academic school year, with science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teaching duties;
  • teach in one of the 50 states, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. Jurisdictions of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands;
  • be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and
  • not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category.

To nominate or apply, visit www.paemst.nsf.gov.

About PAEMST

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, and mathematics teaching. The Awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize a total of 110 exemplary teachers each year.

Awards are given to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers from each of the 50 states, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, and the U.S. Jurisdictions of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The award recognizes those teachers that 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 5,200 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.