COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 278

November 14, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Patricia I. Wright Superintendent of Public 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 2009, up to six state finalists at the secondary level will be selected (three in each secondary group). From these 2009 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, DC.

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 Web site at http://www.paemst.org/. A completed nomination form must be submitted electronically with each application. All applications are due May 1, 2009.

For more information, contact Deborah Kiger Bliss, mathematics coordinator, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, by e-mail at Deborah.Bliss@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 786-6418; or Paula Klonowski, science coordinator, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, by e-mail at Paula.Klonowski@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 371-0249.

PIW/DKB/PK/yba