Awarded by the White House each year, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.
Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. Each state selects up to three mathematics teachers and three science teachers annually as state finalists. Educators are nominated in October and the application process begins in November.
A national selection committee reviews state finalist applications and selects one awardee in each content area for every state. Teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. As part of the recognition process, awardees take part in a weeklong series of networking and professional development activities in Washington, D.C., and receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.
Visit Presidential Awards (PAEMST) – National Website for more information.
Congratulations to the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence Recipients
Mathematics

Townsend Elementary SchoolAppoquinimink School District
Science

Forwood Elementary SchoolBrandywine School District
Congratulations to the 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence Finalists
Mathematics

Jason Orlen
East Millsboro ElementaryIndian River School District

Michele (Missy) Snyder
Major George Welch Elementary SchoolCaesar Rodney School District

Allison Van Ness
Clayton Intermediate SchoolSmyrna School District
Science

Maria Cobb
Mount Pleasant Elementary SchoolBrandywine School District

Jaime Swartz
John M Clayton Elementary SchoolIndian River School District
Congratulations to the 2021 Presidential Award for Excellence Finalists
Mathematics

Katherine Hoffecker
Odessa High SchoolAppoquinimink School District

Tommie Polite
Laurel Middle SchoolLaurel School District
Las Americas ASPIRA Academy
Science

Corey Butterfield
George Read Middle SchoolColonial School District

Brian Heeney
Delcastle Technical High SchoolNew Castle County Vocational-Technical School District

Erin Motley
Gunning Bedford Middle SchoolColonial School District
For additional nominees and recipients, please visit Previous PAEMST Nominees and Recipients.