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Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

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). Each year the President of the United States recognizes outstanding teachers in mathematics and science (including computer science) from across the Nation at the Kindergarten through 6th grade or 7th through 12th grade levels and bestows upon them the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

New York State is looking for nominations of outstanding mathematics and science teachers who spark students’ imaginations in STEM education through innovative teaching and learning.

The PAEMST is the highest honor in the Nation that teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science) may receive for outstanding teaching and leadership in their respective fields. These teachers serve as models for colleagues and are leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education.

Receiving a Presidential Award can change a teacher’s life. In addition to receiving the honor of a lifetime, each Presidential Awardee receives:

  • A certificate signed by the President of the United States
  • A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
  • An all-expenses paid trip to a recognition event, which includes an award ceremony and opportunities to meet with policymakers in a series of professional development activities
  • Access to the alumni network and the opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation

Annually, New York State can recognize up to three Mathematics finalists and three Science finalists. The New York State PAEMST finalists’ applications are forwarded to a PAEMST Review and Selection Committee at the National level. Of the State finalists in Mathematics and Science, up to two finalists in mathematics or science from each state will be recognized at the National level.

The 2024-2025 application cycle is now open until February 6, 2025.

For more information about the PAEMST (2024-2025) nomination and application process, please visit the PAEMST website or e-mail:

2024 PAEMST New York State Finalist for Mathematics

Introducing the 2024 PAEMST New York State Finalist for Mathematics (K-6)!

Susan Murray, PEARLS Hawthorne School, Yonkers Public Schools, Yonkers, NY

Susan Murray teaches fourth grade mathematics at PEARLS Hawthorne Elementary School in Yonkers, NY. Susan has eighteen years of teaching experience and has taught for Yonkers Public Schools for the past seven years. 

Susan has a robust understanding of mathematics and recognizes how the key concepts within each lesson relate to future concepts. Susan practices reflective teaching and bases her instructional decisions on research and literature about mathematics education and student learning. When planning her lessons, Susan uses effective instructional approaches and creates rich, real-life problems for her students to explore. Rich tasks with low floor/high ceiling flexibility are used as well as randomized grouping and incorporating guest speakers using Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in real-world fields. Susan actively listens to her students and provides opportunities for voice and choice. Susan displays a growth mindset throughout the classroom with interactive boards and activities. Susan utilizes in-the-moment student responses (and longer analysis strategies) to inform instructional moves during the lesson and future lessons. Susan also provides students the opportunity to participate in an after-school STEM enrichment club.

Susan utilizes professional development experiences to enhance student learning and has also led several professional development opportunities for district colleagues. Susan has devoted time to district-level initiatives and welcomed pre-service teachers into her classroom to serve as their cooperating teacher.

2024 PAEMST New York State Finalist for Science

Introducing the 2024 PAEMST New York State Finalist for Science (K-6)!

Cailin Giard, Jackson Avenue School, Mineola Public Schools, Mineola, NY

Cailin Giard is the math enrichment specialist for grades one and two and the gifted education teacher for grades three through six at the Jackson Avenue Elementary School. Cailin teaches multiple subjects such as mathematics, science, engineering, technology, and computer science. Cailin has over six years of teaching experience and has taught for Mineola Public Schools for the past three years.

Cailin centers lessons around the engineering design process and exploration through play. Exploration through play provides opportunities for students to develop their problem-solving skills, be more independent in their learning, make informed decisions, and collaborate effectively with others in a group. Cailin provides opportunities for students to work through multiple engineering, science, and creative hands-on projects. A real-life phenomenon of how ziplining is used in other countries as a form of local transportation was used as a foundation/anchor for one of Calin’s lessons. Cailin’s instruction is driven by project-based learning, where students present their results and possible solutions to problems. To support personalized learning within lessons, Cailin uses modeling, conversation starters, and student refocusing.

Cailin is a part of the Design Thinking Committee that focuses on the importance of inclusive education. Cailin has created professional development opportunities for teachers to learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and will piloting AI technology through a platform that allows students to interact with AI in a controlled, safe way. In 2020, Cailin was invited to present at the 3rd Edition of the International Conference of Education Quality: Managing STEAM – Innovation, Inclusion, and Education Quality in Agadir, Morocco.