The Outstanding Teacher Awards are designed to recognize the significant contributions of teachers to science education. Teachers are not precluded from nominating themselves. Evidence of the following should be included in the nomination packet:

1. Participation in professional organizations showing active leadership through the participation in professional science and science education organizations at the local, state, and national levels.
2. Maintaining a classroom/laboratory environment that encourages a positive student attitude toward science, enhances student curiosity, participation, and promotes scientific literacy.
3. Developing and using innovative instructional materials and new approaches to the teaching of science.
4. Effectively using community resources including projects, speakers, and field trips.
5. 5. Continuing education, attending workshops, and professional conferences to continue to develop as an effective educator.

Application: PDF

The Award of promise is intended for a teacher with three to five years of experience who has demonstrated an interest and aptitude for teaching science. The same criteria for Outstanding Teacher will be used for evaluation, but consideration will be given to the formative state of the nominee.

Application: PDF

The Outstanding Science Educator Award is intended to recognize the singular contributions of an individual for promoting science and science education over a significant period of time. Nominations should include letters of support and other evidence clearly demonstrating how the individual has made unique and extraordinary contributions to science education at the local, district, and state level.

Application: PDF

Professional Development Grants for six teachers to attend the annual FAST Conference will be awarded. Two elementary school teachers (K-5), two middle school teachers (6-8), and two high school teachers (9-12) will be selected. Recipients of the grants will be notified by September 1st of their selection. They will be required to submit a report on their FAST session and workshop experiences, along with their receipts for reimbursement by no later than November 30th.

Application: PDF

A minimum of two Mini- grants of $500.00 each will be awarded at the F.A.S.T. convention. Do you have an idea that could be a source of funding? Do you want to fund a creative teaching idea? Apply for the classroom Mini-Grant from FAST.

Application: PDF

Ocean Optics Grant Program

Grant Information

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 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.

In even-numbered years, the award is given to elementary teachers (grades K-6); in odd-numbered years, secondary teachers (grades 7-12) are recognized.

Teachers applying for the PAEMST must be nominated. Anyone (e.g. principals, teachers, students, and other members of the general public) may nominate a teacher.



Self-nominations will be accepted.

Self-nominations will be accepted!



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 March 2006, which will include: an award ceremony; a Presidential Citation; meetings with leaders in government and education; sessions to share ideas and teaching experiences; and receptions and banquets to honor recipients.

For more information, go to http://www.paemst.org/