As a principal, you know better than anyone that teachers are the backbone of your school. Their commitment to serving the next generation and their dedication to going above and beyond make them pillars of the community. Now, more than ever, they deserve to be recognized for their excellence and, as a principal, you know what excellence looks like.
One Way to Celebrate Your Teachers
Each year, through the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the President of the United States recognizes outstanding educators from across the country who teach K–12 science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Recipients of the Presidential Award represent the exceptional teaching in STEM education happening in schools across every state and U.S. jurisdiction. More than 5,200 PAEMST awardees have been recognized since the program was established by Congress in 1983.
Nominations for the award come from across the community—parents, students, colleagues, and more—yet year after year, principals remain our strongest nominators.
The Presidential Award Can Change Lives
Receiving a Presidential Award can change a teacher’s life. In addition to receiving the honor of a lifetime, each Presidential Awardee receives:
- A certificate signed by the President of the United States
- A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
- An all-expenses paid trip to a recognition event, which includes an award ceremony and opportunities to meet with policymakers in a series of professional development activities
- Access to the alumni network and the opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation
On top of this, the application process asks teachers to reflect deeply on their experience and teaching practices, providing a rewarding professional development experience to all who apply.
Many awardees continue teaching in their classrooms while others move on to positions in school administration or as department chairs, become involved in preparing future teachers at the university level, or work in teacher professional development.
The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
Past Awardees Credit Their Principals
Past awardees credit their principals not only for nominating them, but also for being instrumental to their success as teachers.
“I was humbled by the nomination for the award by my principal who truly appreciated my work and efforts with students. Receiving the award…opened many professional doors for me to share the work that I do with students and colleagues over the years.”
Daniel Bisaccio, 1989 Awardee | New Hampshire | 7–12 Science
“It is such an honor to receive the Presidential Award. It validates my passion for teaching mathematics and my work as a bilingual teacher. I want to share this honor with all the educators with whom I have worked…but most of all with my principal who has believed in my different way of teaching.”
Angelica Niño, 2018 Awardee | Texas | K–6 Mathematics
“It is a great source of pride and accomplishment to represent my community for providing excellence. This award is not only an honor for me, but also my school district and teaching mentors who have inspired excellence. Having good principals and mentors was essential in my journey to excellence.”
Benjamin Jewell, 2010 Awardee | Michigan | K–6 Science
Nominate a Teacher
It is an honor as a school to have a Presidential Awardee in your midst. Award-winning schools receive a banner to proudly display and many host pep rallies and other celebrations to ring in their new award-winning teachers. Even the act of nominating is a special nod to a teacher at your school—once nominated, they receive a certificate and, as a nominator, you even have the option to write a personalized message.
As a principal, you know what quality teaching in your school looks like. We ask you to consider nominating a teacher today.
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