The presidential awards, administered by the National Science Foundation, recognize teachers whose innovative methods bring science and mathematics to life in the classroom.
"These honored teachers have the gift to kindle excitement in young people about complex ideas that can be intimidating to young learners," said National Science Foundation Director Dr. Rita Colwell. "Educators like these bring contagious enthusiasm into the classroom and weave the essential life skill of critical thinking into the fabric of our rising generations."
Each awardee will be presented a special citation signed by President Bush, a $7,500 cash award from the National Science Foundation to improve science and mathematics instruction, gifts from donors, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the award ceremony and participate in various educational and celebratory functions.
Teachers to be honored are identified from schools in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity. Each year, after an initial selection process at the state or territorial level, a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators recommends about 200 teachers to receive the award from a pool of talented finalists.
Teachers are honored in four categories: elementary mathematics, elementary science, secondary mathematics, and secondary science.
For more on the presidential awards program, including a complete listing of this year's awardees and information about the nomination and application process, go to the program's Web site at www.nsf.gov/pa.
Contact:
Leslie Hanrahan, MMG
301-984-7191
or 301-461-5416
Manny Van Pelt, NSF
703-292-7732