COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 185

September 24, 2004

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary 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 2005, up to six state finalists at the secondary level will be selected (three in each secondary group). From these 2005 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.

The application packet may be downloaded from the NSF website at http://www.paemst.org/. A completed nomination form (available at the same website) must accompany each application. All applications are due May 2, 2005, to the state coordinators. For more information, contact Deborah Kiger Bliss (dbliss@mail.vak12ed.edu), mathematics specialist, at (804) 786-6418 or Eric Rhoades (erhoades@mail.vak12ed.edu), science specialist, at (804) 225-2676.

JLD/DKL