NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 31, 2021
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) invites 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 kindergarten through grade 6 teachers will be selected for the 2021-22 PAEMST award cycle. National honorees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, recognition at a White House ceremony, and the opportunity 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 teacher who teaches science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or computer science as part of their teaching responsibilities. Teachers may also nominate themselves. Nominations will be accepted until January 7, 2022. Teachers must complete the application process by February 6, 2022.
“There are countless Mississippi teachers who are worthy of this national recognition,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “I encourage families and colleagues to nominate any teacher with a passion for teaching and learning. Teachers who have made a positive impact on student achievement and the professional learning environment in their schools can also nominate themselves.”
Congress established the PAEMST Awards in 1983. The award recognizes teachers 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.
Each year PAEMST alternates between recognizing K-6 and 7-12 grade teachers. The 2022-23 PAEMST cycle will award the nation’s top teachers who teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science in grades 7-12.
To nominate a teacher or apply, visit: paemst.org.
Resources:
- PAEMST webinars to support applicants throughout the application process
- Video from previous awardees
MDE PAEMST State Coordinators:
- Science, Dr. Kevin Gaylor, kgaylor@mdek12.org
- Mathematics, Tommisha Johnson, tjohnson@mdek12.org
- Tammy Crosetti, tcrosetti@mdek12.org
Media Contact:
Jean Cook, APR
Director of Communication
601-359-3515
jcook@mdek12.org