NSF News

News - April 16, 1997 Horizontal Rule

Media contact:  Peter West  (703) 306-1070  pwest@nsf.gov
Program contact:  Janice Earle  (703) 306-1613  jearle@nsf.gov

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White House Recognizes Outstanding Science and Mathematics Teachers

President Clinton has recognized 214 mathematics and science teachers for their innovative and outstanding contributions to their profession under the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program. The program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

"The greatest step our country can take to prepare for the 21st century is to ensure that all Americans have the best education in the world," President Clinton said. "Having teachers who believe in high expectations helps create a system that enables children to succeed. These outstanding teachers are already challenging our children to learn and succeed. By recognizing them, we recognize the need to prepare for our future.''

The winners of the nation's highest commendation for elementary and secondary school teachers are invited to come to Washington D.C. in June to participate in an awards ceremony.

"This program recognizes the work of the very best math and science teachers in the nation," said Luther S. Williams, who heads NSF's education and human resources directorate. "Through their innovative and creative work, they demonstrate to other teachers, schools, and school districts how they can change instructional practice and incorporate exciting and effective new methods into their teaching."

While in the nation's capital, the awardees also will share their insights into teaching and favorite techniques with their peers, government education specialists, and representatives of national education organizations, who are partners in the PAEMST program.

"We hope that other teachers will be able to replicate these classroom successes so that education nationally will benefit and that, ultimately, U.S. students will learn more," said Williams.

A grant of $7,500 is made to each winner's school, which the Awardees use at their own discretion to promote math and science education.

The White House established the PAEMST program in 1983 to recognize outstanding accomplishment in science and math teaching. Elementary and secondary teachers in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and the U.S. Department of Defense Schools are eligible to receive the awards.

    See also:

  • News Release, "Presidential Awards Recognize the World's Best Teaching," 6/11/97.
  • Fact Sheet on the PAEMST program.
  • Statement by Dr. Neal Lane, Director of the National Science Foundation, in April 1997.

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