Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching

Recipients of the 2019 Presidential Awards for Excellence

Two Arkansas teachers were selected as recipients of the 2019 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching:

• Mary Hatch, Environmental and Spatial Technology, Grades 6-8, Harrison Middle School, Harrison School District (Science Award)
• Melodie Murray, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, Advanced Topics and Mathematical Modeling, Pocahontas High School, Pocahontas School District (Math Award.

Information About the PAEMST 

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education. Since 1983, more than 4,800 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to STEM education. Up to 108 teachers are recognized each year.

Award Details

This awards program is open to practicing public, private, and parochial school teachers with a minimum of five years teaching experience. State finalists are chosen on the basis of their teaching performance, experience, and leadership by a state selection committee. Applications for each finalist are then forwarded to the National Science Foundation for judging by a national committee. A teacher from each category can be selected as Arkansas Presidential Awardees. For more information, please visit the PAEMST website.

• A citation signed by the President of the United States 
• A trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities 
• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation 

Who Can Nominate?

Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate exceptional science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers.

NOMINATION DEADLINE: January 7, 2022

Who Can Apply?

To nominate or apply, visit www.paemst.org  The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Arkansas State Finalists for PAEMST - 2013 to Present

There are up to three state-level math and science finalists chosen by the Arkansas state selection committees composed of teachers, administrators, supervisors, and college or university mathematics and science educators. These committees are directed by the State PAEMST Coordinators. In alternate years, the process focuses on K-6 or 7-12 teachers. Visit www.paemst.org website for more information.

See the links provided for the state-level math and science finalists from 2013 to present:

• Math State Finalists
• Science State Finalists

National PAEMST Award Winners for Arkansas - 2000 to Present

The following educators have been selected by state and national committees as outstanding STEM teachers and serve as leaders in science, technology, mathematics, and/or computer science.

For more information, please contact: