The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has opened nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award is the highest honor the United States gives to teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science.
Two Mississippi seventh through twelfth teachers will be selected for the 2022-23 PAEMST award cycle. National honorees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, recognition at a White House ceremony, and the opportunity to provide input on policies to improve science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science education.
Parents, students, fellow educators or members of the public can nominate a seventh- through twelfth-grade teacher who teaches science, technology, engineering or mathematics as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities. Teachers may also nominate themselves.
Eligible teachers must have at least five years of full-time employment as a kindergarten through twelfth-grade teacher prior to the 2022-2023 academic school year, with science, technology, engineering or mathematics teaching duties during each of the past five years. Nominations will be accepted until January 9, 2023. Teachers must complete the application process by February 6, 2023.
“There are so many Mississippi seventh- through twelfth-grade teachers deserving of a PAEMST award for their dedication to students in the subject areas of science and mathematics,” said Dr. Kim Benton, state superintendent of education, interim. “I encourage friends, families and colleagues to nominate a teacher who is achieving positive student outcomes and is passionate about teaching and learning. Teachers may also strongly consider nominating themselves.”
Congress established the PAEMST Awards in 1983. The awards recognizes teacher with deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. 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.
To nominate a teacher or apply, visit paemst.org.
