The National Science Foundation has a long history of providing support to teachers (e.g., beginning with our summer training institutes during the 1960s) and grant support for investigators who undertake research into best teaching practices that can be achieved through improved pedagogy. As well, for more than two decades, the Foundation has supported research on models and effective practices in mentoring, and how those practices improve educational outcomes for students at all education levels, as well as career outcomes for scientists and engineers working in business, industry, government and non-profit organizations.

The EASE program seeks to recognize the men and women who educate our children and youngsters at the K-12 level, and those who provide the important component of mentoring to ensure completion of education and successful career building. By honoring teachers and mentors with a Presidential award for excellence in their practice, the Federal Government acknowledges their importance to the health and prosperity of the nation - the two key strategic missions of the National Science Foundation.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) was established by the White House in 1995 to identify and recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed outstanding efforts in mentoring. PAESMEM honors those individuals and groups that have enhanced the participation of individuals from historically underrepresented groups and disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds who might not otherwise have considered or have access to opportunities in STEM disciplines and professions. Historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in STEM fields include African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers the awards program on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). NSF selection committees comprised of outstanding scientists, mathematicians, education researchers, and educators review PAESMEM nominations, and award recommendations are sent to the OSTP for final selection. Each Presidential Awardee receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a $10,000 award from NSF. Awardees are honored at an award ceremony which takes place in Washington, D.C. and they join an alumni network of awardees with whom they can share information and collaborate. Please go to https://paesmem.nsf.gov/ for information on how to nominate and apply for this prestigious award.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Each year, the President of the United States recognizes outstanding teachers of mathematics and science (the elementary level in even-numbered years, and the secondary grade level in odd-numbered years) and bestows upon them the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Awards are given to teachers in each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, and the U.S. Territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). State-level applicants are reviewed by NSF selection committees, and award recommendations are sent to the OSTP for final selection. Each Presidential Awardee receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a $10,000 award from NSF. Awardees are honored at an award ceremony which takes place in Washington, D.C. and they join an alumni network of awardees with whom they can share information and collaborate. Additional ceremony events may include professional development opportunities and discussions with policymakers on how to improve science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science education. Please go to https://paemst.nsf.gov/ for information on how to nominate and apply for this prestigious award.

For information about the EASE program, please contact Dr. Alfred Hall, Program Director, Excellence Awards in Science & Engineering, 703-292-4895; alfhall@nsf.gov.