Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 2

January 22, 2008

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE/SECONDARY

TO:

Principals

FROM:

Linda M. Wallinger

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

SUBJECT:

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program was established in 1983 by the White House and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program identifies outstanding science and mathematics teachers, kindergarten through grade 12, in each state and the four United States jurisdictions. These teachers will serve as models for their colleagues and will be leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education.

Recognition is given to teachers of kindergarten through grade 12 in four award groups: elementary mathematics (k-6), elementary science (k-6), secondary mathematics (7-12), and secondary science (7-12). In 2008, up to six state finalists at the elementary level will be selected (three in each elementary group). From these 2008 state finalists, a national committee will choose two national-level awardees (one in each award group) from Virginia. Each national awardee will receive a $10,000 personal award and an all-expense paid trip to recognition events and other activities in Washington, D.C.

For the first time, both the nomination form and the application packet must be submitted electronically. The nomination form and the application packet as well as complete directions are available on the NSF website at http://www.paemst.org/. A completed nomination form must be submitted electronically by March 1, 2008, for each applicant. All applications are due May 1, 2008. For more information, contact Deborah Kiger Bliss Deborah.Bliss@doe.virginia.gov, mathematics coordinator, by telephone at (804) 786-6418 or Paula Klonowski, Paula.Klonowski@doe.virginia.gov, science coordinator, by telephone at (804)371-0249.

LMW/DKB