State Finalists Announced for 2019 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Six New York State mathematics and science teachers are state-level finalists for the 2019 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) at the secondary level, grades 7-12, Interim State Education Commissioner Beth Berlin announced today. In addition, the White House announced the 2017 and 2018 PAEMST awardees from each state, including four from New York, on October 15, 2019. The PAEMST, one of the most prestigious honors in the nation for teachers, recognizes exemplary teaching and leadership in science and mathematics education.

“Science and mathematics are incredibly important fields, especially in today’s technology-driven world,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “The teachers being recognized as PAEMST awardees and finalists have found innovative and engaging ways to teach students about STEM and prepare them for the careers of the future. We are grateful to have such wonderful and skillful science and mathematics teachers in New York.”

“New York is fortunate to have such excellent educators who make the STEM subjects come to life for their students,” said Interim Commissioner Beth Berlin. “We are happy to take this opportunity to congratulate the New York teachers recognized as PAEMST awardees and finalists for the hard work they put in every day. We admire their dedication to science and mathematics education.”

2019 PAEMST Finalists

The 2019 PAEMST finalists from New York are:

The State finalists are chosen by a state selection committee made up of teachers, district personnel, representatives from higher education, and past awardees. Each finalist demonstrated content knowledge, as well as an effective use of instructional methods and assessments to evaluate, monitor, and improve student learning. The finalists also serve as leaders in education outside of the classroom.

This year, New York was able to recognize up to three Mathematics finalists and three Science finalists. The finalists’ applications were then submitted to the PAEMST Review and Selection Committee, which will determine the final award winners from each state.

2017 and 2018 PAEMST Awardees

The 2017 and 2018 PAEMST awardees from New York, who were recently announced by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, are:  

Awardees for the Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching complete a rigorous application process that requires them to demonstrate their excellence in content knowledge and ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Recipients of the award receive a paid trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition and professional development events, in addition to a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

The PAEMST was established by the White House in 1983 and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Every year, the President of the United States recognizes outstanding teachers in Mathematics and Science (including computer science) from across the nation.

Nominations are now being taken for the 2019-2020 award cycle for teachers of K-6 mathematics or science (including computer science). For more information regarding the award process, visit the PAEMST website or contact the NYSED Office of Curriculum and Instruction at emscurric@nysed.gov.