Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching Claran Einfeldt claran@cmath2.com

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). The program recognizes outstanding mathematics and science teachers, kindergarten through 12th grade, in each state and the four U.S. jurisdictions. These teachers will serve as models for their colleagues and will be leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education.

Rewarding and Inspiring Great Teaching State Recognition National Recognition Inspiring Great Teaching

Presidential Awardees Become: Leaders Scholars Mentors

Why Apply? The application process is a path for professional growth. The Presidential Award recognizes outstanding teaching in mathematics or science. Presidential Awardees join a network of award-winning teachers who are building lasting partnerships with colleagues across the Nation.

Why Apply? Recipients of the award receive the following: A citation signed by the President of the United States. A paid trip for two to Washington, DC, to attend a week-long series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. Gifts from program sponsors from around the country. A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

A Trip to Meet the President

A Day At the Capitol

We met with…

AND…

Who is Eligible? Nominees must: Be highly qualified teachers, as deemed by their states, districts, or schools; or in the case of private schools, in the spirit of the principles, and provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. Hold a degree or appropriate credentials in the category for which they are applying. Be teachers in one of the 50 states or four U.S. jurisdictions.

Who is Eligible? Nominees must also: Be full-time employees of the school or school district. Have at least 5 years of mathematics or science teaching experience prior to application. Teach mathematics or science at elementary or secondary (depending on award year) level in a public or private school.

Who is Eligible? Nominees must also: Indicate which grade or grades they teach and whether they are to be considered for mathematics or science teaching. NOT have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category. All PAEMST finalists will be subject to an FBI background check.

Four Elements of the Selection Process: Online nomination Completion and submission of an online application State and national competition All PAEMST finalists will be subject to an FBI background check

Upcoming Application Deadlines YEAR WHO CAN APPLY DEADLINE 2010 K- 6 Teachers May 1, 2010 2011 7- 12 Teachers May 1, 2009

Administrative Components of Application Letter of Employment Confirmation Three Letters of Recommendation PAEMST Application Teacher Information Form Demographic Information (optional) Two-page Resume

Core Components of Application Narrative (max. 20 pages) Supplemental Materials (max. 15 pages) Video Components of Application Video Part A (required) Video Part B (optional)

Dimensions of Outstanding Teaching

Dimension One (max. 5 pages) Personal mastery of mathematics or science content at or beyond the level the applicant is teaching (max. 5 pages)

Dimension Two Use of instructional methods and strategies that are appropriate for the learning styles of the students and result in increased student achievement (max. 5 pages)

Dimension Three Effective use of student assessment tools to evaluate, monitor, and improve student achievement (max. 4 pages)

Dimension Four Reflective practice to improve instructional delivery and student outcomes (max. 4 pages)

Dimension Five Participation in professional development either to improve your own knowledge and skills or to provide mentorship, instruction, or support to teachers who are participants in such programs (max. 2 pages)

Supplemental Materials Samples of student work Assessments Lesson plans Data displays (max. 15 pages)

Video Part A Continuous footage, UNEDITED, not to exceed 30 minutes Focus on students’ actions and interactions during the lesson

Video Part A Captures the Applicant’s: Depth of content knowledge Ability to engage students Ability to employ appropriate instructional methods Students’ ability to ask and answer questions

Video Part B (Optional) Opportunity to demonstrate effectiveness beyond the continuous lesson captured in Part A Must not exceed 30 minutes Might include: Excerpts of students engaged in field activities Student projects or presentations Extracurricular activities

PAEMST provides ways to highlight the quality of the applicant’s school or district NSF and MACRO provide press releases The school is recognized as a place of excellence Many schools have multiple awardees—excellence supports excellence

Role of Mentor Be a coach Offer to view and discuss their video Offer to proofread the written parts of their application Offer to help with the final checklist

Role of Mentor Connect the applicant with the state coordinator Provide continual encouragement

Nominations Are Now Being Accepted Online for the 2010 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The PAEMST Web site can provide additional information about the awards, nomination, application, selection, awardees, and state coordinators. Nominate an outstanding teacher today! Visit: http://www.paemst.org

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