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Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Teaching

The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers the Presidential Awards Program for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching (PAESMT) program for the White House which began the program in 1983 to improve teaching in mathematics and the sciences. The PAESMT program is operated under contract from NSF which subcontracts with both the Council of State Science Supervisors (see below) and the Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics (ASSM).

Each year three state-level Awardees are chosen by the statewide selection committees composed of teachers, administrators, supervisors, and college or university mathematics and science educators. These committees were directed by State Program Chairs who follow the guidelines below. In alternate years the process will focus on Elementary (K-6) or Secondary (7-12) teachers.  Selection process for school year 2005-2006 is for Elementary Teachers and school year 2006-2007 will be for Secondary Teachers.  Visit the PAEMST website for more information or view the 2009 CSSS/PAEMST Resource Guide and Operational Handbook for State-Level Science Coordinators (doc).

STATE PROGRAM CHAIR GUIDELINES

Each state chair should work with their Selection Committee to:

1. Ensure that the state level selection committee has a revolving membership and is always open to those who have not served previously.
2. Keep an accurate record of factual data on committee members such as organizational representation, number of times served, dates served, discipline, specialties, etc.
3. Ensure that both content and pedagogical expertise are represented on the Selection Committee at the K-6 panel for elementary, as well as for the secondary 7-12 panel.
4. Ensure that applications that do not meet the published criteria (whether for failing to follow the guidelines to the letter, false science content, or other appropriate reasons are rejected and not sent to the National Selection Committee).

The state chair will keep records on the applications from underrepresented groups to:

5. Ensure that active recruitment of potential nominees, especially those of underrepresented groups, is undertaken.
6. Keep an accurate record of special means or procedures used to reach the underrepresented population of teachers.
7. Ensure that recognition of both the state level and the national awardees is undertaken in each state or jurisdiction.
8. Keep an accurate record of award activities held for awardees (along with any support materials, news releases, brochures, etc.) any organizations or institutions involved with the award recognition.

The state chair will keep keep records and submit reimbursements:

9. Estimate expenses and provide estimated invoices two months prior to expenditure.
10. Keep an accurate record of the number of brochures distributed, the area of distribution, and the audience to whom they are directed.
11. Keep an accurate record of the number of requests for nomination packets. area from which received, and grade level of nominee.
12. Keep an accurate record of number of completed nomination packets, area from which received, and grade level of nominee.

The state chairs will coordinate the award processes in their states with CSSS:

13. Keep an accurate log of of problems and issues involved in the selection process.
14. May coordinate selection and recognition procedures with other PAESMT state chairs within a state.
15. Give special attention to nominees that are not selected to encourage them to resubmit in following years.
16. Keep an accurate record of the state's in-kind contributions (postage, staff time, etc.) to the PAESMT program.
17. Share all the above data with C.J. Evans, CSSS Presidential Awards Coordinator, in order that a state by state profile can be constructed.

State Chairs conduct their state presidential activities. This includes promoting awareness, the application, selection, and recognition phases and utilization of the talents of the awardees. Each chair should make sure their reimbursements receipts do not exceed $4,000.00. and then send the CSSS Presidential Award reimbursement form (doc) and all their receipts to:

CJ Evans
PAEMST Coordinator for CSSS
614 Indian Hills Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301-0561
314-614-7707