Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the nation's highest commendation for K-12 math and science teachers. It recognizes a combination of sustained and exemplary work, both in, and outside, the classroom. Each award includes a grant of $10,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) directly to the recipient (no longer to the school). Awardees use the money at their discretion to promote math and science education. Awardees also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, during which each receives a certificate signed by the President. Awardees also attend seminars and engage in professional discussions with their peers and with national legislators and education policy-makers. Awardees also receives a selection of gifts from private-sector contributors to the program. In Mathematics, California selects up to 3 finalists. 

The level for the awards now alternates; secondary teachers apply in odd years; elementary teachers apply in even years. 

Nomination forms for the 2009 secondary award were received by May 1 and the finalists' names have been sent on to Washington DC for the selection process. 

Forms will be available to elementary teachers for the 2010 award in October, 2009. Teachers applying for the PAEMST must be nominated. Anyone (e.g., principals, teachers, students, and other members of the public) may nominate a teacher. Self-nominations are also accepted. The nomination and application forms may be downloaded from the PAEMST web site.

Teachers must submit their completed 2010 application packets by May 1, 2010. 

The application is done online; supporting documents are uploaded there. 
Mail your DVD or VHS  to:

Carol Piercy
California PAEMST
1943 North Douglas Avenue
Clovis, CA  93619

For additional information or questions, please contact Carol Piercy at carol@piercy.us.

2009 Finalists

CMC is pleased to announce that this year's secondary finalists are Michelle Katz and Sean Nank.

The finalists will be recognized at their section conferences this fall.

California Awardees

1983: Clyde Corcoran

1984: Lyle Fisher

1985: Sheila Berman

1986: Sanderson Smith

1987: Ronald Smith

1988: Harold Jacobs

1989: Harold Taylor

1990: Katherine Layton, Christina Myren

1991: Roberta Koss, Vicki Newman

1992: Glenys Bell, Judith Flores

1993: Ann Carlyle, Grant McMicken

1994: Donna Goldenstein, Gary Tsuruda

1995: Marlys Brimmer, Beverly Oliver

1996: Michelle Chenal-Ducey, Maryann Wickett

1997: Carol Piercy, Holly Piangerelli

1998: Jeanne Shimizu, Enid Stagg

1999: Diana Herrington, Cynthia Housheer

2000: Sandra Gilliam, Sandy Hindy

2001: Leanne Baker, Christopher Shore

2002: Pam Mason, Charaline Maxim

2003: Ana England

2004: Vararie Rose-Piver

2005: Margaret Cagle

2006: Tapp Hancock

2007: Jeff Luscher

2008: Susan Kunze

Frequently Asked Questions:

Click here for more information and FAQs on PAEMST, including the selection process, requirements for nominees, its history, and the role of CMC in the selection and establishment of the awards.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching 

Directorate for Education and Human Resources

National Science Foundation

4201 Wilson Blvd

Arlington, VA 22230

703-306-0422