The Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education announces the annual Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Nominations for worthy educators are being accepted now until April 10, 2010.

From the DESE web announcement: "The PAEMST Program was established in 1983 by the White House and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program identifies 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.

The competition alternates year by year between teachers of grades K-6 and teachers of grades 7-12. Teachers of grades K-6 mathematics and science are eligible for nomination for the 2010 Presidential Awards. Teachers of grades 7-12 will be eligible for the 2011 Presidential Awards."

Qualified candidates must be nominated, but may be nominated by anyone including students, parents and other members of the general public.

Each Presidential Awardee will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and gifts from donors. Each Awardee will also be invited to attend, along with a guest, recognition events in Washington, D.C., in 2011.

Specifics of the Award are posted on the Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education website. You can also visit The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching website for information and the nomination form.

Good luck to Quabbin Regional School District elementary math and science teachers!