Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

President Biden Honors More Than 300 Americans with Nation’s Highest Award for Science and Mathematics Teachers and Mentors

Today, President Biden announced 336 teachers and mentors from around the nation as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Award recipients over the years represent schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).

Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.

A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess nominations before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.

Meet the PA Awardees:

2021 Awardees/Grades 7-12

John Smith III Philadelphia, PA | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

Jeremy Tomaszewski Havertown, PA | 7-12, Science, 2021

2022 Awardees/Grades K-6

Renae Castelluci Oakdale, PA | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

Melissa Costantino-Poruben Pittsburgh, PA | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

2023 Awardees/Grade 7-12

Dylan Fedell Kintnersville, PA | 7-12, Science, 2023

Lori Sidelinger New Paris, PA | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

Nominate a STEM teacher for this prestigious award. Do you know an excellent 7-12 STEM teacher deserving of recognition from the White House? Nominate them for the PAEMST award. To learn more about the nomination process, see our PAEMST Nominator FAQ Page.