Washington, DC — President Bush announced today the recipients of the prestigious 2001 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The White House program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), bestows the nation’s highest honor for mathematics and science teachers for kindergarten through grade 12.
The Presidential awardees--who represent every state, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and the U.S. Department of Defense schools--were selected from more than 600 nominees. After an initial selection process at the state or territorial level, a national panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators recommends teachers to receive a Presidential award—one elementary and one secondary mathematics teacher, and one elementary and one secondary science teacher from each state and jurisdiction.
“This premier group of science and mathematics teachers brings science, engineering and mathematics to life in the classroom and nurtures curiosity in our youth through their innovative and creative approaches to teaching,” said NSF Director Rita Colwell. “We salute these extraordinary teachers for their unceasing efforts in encouraging students to challenge the possibilities, and sharing their enthusiasm for mathematics and science.”
Each 2001 Presidential awardee receives a $7,500 grant to their school and a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the ceremony and participate in the award week activities.
The PAEMST program, established in 1983, honors the nation’s leading mathematics and science teachers. For a complete listing of this year’s awardees, or more information on how to apply for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, see Web site at http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/pres_awards/.
Contact: Leslie Hanrahan, 301-984-7191 or William Harms, 703-292-7756