The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Since 1983, more than 4,100 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. Up to 108 teachers are recognized each year. Presidential Awardees receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
Congratulations to the recent State Finalists!
The New Mexico Public Education Department announced on May 5, 2021, four educators who were selected as PAEMST state finalists for New Mexico. State finalists represent outstanding teachers New Mexico has to offer and serve as both a model and an inspiration to students and fellow teachers.
Grants/Cibola County Schools
7–12 Mathematics
Albuquerque Public Schools
7–12 Science
Albuquerque Public Schools
7–12 Mathematics
Albuquerque Public Schools
7–12 Mathematics
New Mexico selected four state finalists for the K–6 award cycle. The K–6 national awardees will be announced in early Fall 2021.
Santa Fe Public Schools
K–6 Science
Albuquerque Public Schools
K–6 Mathematics (Computer Science)
Clovis Municipal Schools
K–6 Mathematics
Albuquerque Public Schools
K–6 Science
Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district level personnel, and classroom teachers recommends up to 108 teachers to receive PAEMST awards. Up to two teachers—mathematics or science—from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories as a group (comprising American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) receive the award. Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from NSF, a Presidential certificate, and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state/jurisdiction and national STEM teaching.
Congratulations to the National Awardees!
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), with the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced on August 3, 2020, that more than 140 individuals and organizations were honored as national presidential awardees for their excellence in teaching or mentoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
New Mexico had two recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching:
Albuquerque Public Schools
7–12 Mathematics
Las Cruces Public Schools
7–12 Science (Computer Science)
Call for Nominations
The PAEMST Awards honor mathematics, science, engineering, technology and computer science teachers.
This year’s cycle is open to Grade 7–12 educators. To NOMINATE OR APPLY, VISIT the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching website.
The nomination cycle will open in Fall 2021.
The National Science Foundation administers Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Office Hours
Join New Mexico’s State Coordinators of Mathematics and Science and past PAEMST winners in Fall 2021 for our next series of office hours for the next cycle.
For more information, contact:
Christy Krenek, Science PAEMST Coordinator at christy.krenek@state.nm.us
Shafiq Chaudhary, Math PAEMST Coordinator at shafiq.chaudhary@state.nm.us