Nominations are under way for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
The nominations this year will honor K-6 educators who teach science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students or members of the general public—may submit a nomination for consideration. Nominations close Jan. 8 and applications must be completed by Feb. 6.
The award recognizes teachers who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas.
State finalists will receive $10,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. They also will be honored at the Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference with a complimentary registration fee.
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teaching. The awards were established by Congress in 1983. The president may recognize up to 110 exemplary teachers each year.
Since the program's inception, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.
Check out previous Iowa awardees, dating back to 1983.