The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is inviting nominations and applications of kindergarten through sixth-grade science and math teachers 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 (STEM).
Two K-6 grade science and math Mississippi STEM teachers will be selected for the 2023-24 PAEMST award cycle. National honorees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, an all-expenses-paid trip to a recognition event and awards ceremony, a certificate signed by the President of the United States, and the opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nations and 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 K-6 grade teacher who teaches science, technology, engineering, or mathematics as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the K-6 grade level by completing the nomination form.
An individual can submit multiple nominations of different teachers, and teachers may also nominate themselves by completing a self-nomination form.
Both forms, as well as additional information about the awards and the requirements, are located online at PAEMST.nsf.gov.
Since 1983, more than 5,000 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to STEM education. Up to one hundred eight awardees may be recognized each year.
The nomination deadline is January 8, 2024, and all applications and completed portfolios must be submitted through the PAEMST portal by February 6.
For more information, contact MDE PAEMST state coordinators Dr. Kevin Gaylor for science at kgaylor@mdek12.org or Tommisha Johnson for math at tjohnson@mdek12.org.
