To recognize passionate 7th-12th grade STEM teachers who have significantly impacted STEM education in their local community, the Mississippi Department of Education encourages individuals to nominate others or themselves for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
About the Awards
The National Science Foundation, on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, is now accepting nominations and applications for the 2024-25 school year cycle of the PAEMST, a prestigious award. PAEMST celebrates exceptional K-12th grade math, science, technology, engineering, and computer science teachers who have impacted student achievement and STEM education.
National awardees receive:
- A certificate signed by the President of the United States
- A trip to Washington, D.C., for national recognition events and professional development
- A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
- Membership in a prestigious network of award-winning STEM teachers across the country
Since 1983, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their extraordinary contributions, with up to 110 educators recognized annually, and you could be one of them!
Who can nominate?
Anyone can nominate a teacher, including principals, colleagues, parents, students, or community members. Teachers may also self-nominate. To nominate or apply, visit www.paemst.nsf.gov.
Who can apply?
This year, secondary school teachers (grades 7-12) in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics are eligible to apply. Applications are due Feb. 6, 2025.
Note: Elementary school teachers (grades K-6) will be eligible to apply during the 2025-2026 cycle.
Eligible applicants must:
- Teach STEM subjects as part of their core responsibilities at the 7th-12th grade level in public or private schools
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Be full-time employees with at least 50% of their time dedicated to teaching students
- Have a minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience in STEM subjects
- Teach in the U.S. or its jurisdictions
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Not have previously received a PAEMST award
For more information, contact MDE PAEMST State Coordinators Dr. Kevin Gaylor at kgaylor@mdek12.org (Science) or Tommisha Johnson at tjohnson@mdek12.org (Mathematics).