Help Us Save the PAEMST Program!

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As you may know, the PAEMST program, which has honored outstanding STEM educators for over four decades, is currently allocated $0 in the NSF FY26 budget. The program cannot continue without any funding.

WE understand the importance of this vital STEM education program. The potential loss of this national recognition program would be a profound setback not only for teachers but for students and communities across the country.

We are mobilizing a coordinated effort to advocate for the preservation and continued funding of PAEMST. Your voice as an awardee – a recognized leader in STEM education – is one of the most powerful tools we have.

We have compiled information to help you easily use your voice! Please read and take action this week!

Here’s how you can help:

1. Contact Your Members of Congress
Please write, call, or schedule a meeting with your Senators and Representatives or one of their staff members. Share your personal story and explain how the PAEMST award has impacted your career, your students, and your community. Here is a link to find their information. Calling both their local and national offices allows you to talk to a person who then shares your comments with someone like the chief of staff for the office.  Use this link to find the contact information for the leaders who represent you. https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/#

Here are our Talking Points:

• The first PAEMST awards were given by President Reagan in 1983, and established by Congress to be awarded annually
• The program strengthens the STEM pipeline, a national priority
• PAEMST identifies and honors excellence at the state and national level
• Program strengthens STEM education through professional development and resources in each state and all types of communities
• PAEMST identifies and drives innovation in the classroom
• Share your story! Explain how the PAEMST program impacted you as a teacher leader, your students, and/or your community.
• DO NOT focus on the monetary part of the award unless you used it for professional growth, to create opportunities for your students, or to better your community

2.Send an Advocacy Letter
We have attached a sample letter to send to your Members of Congress, Senators, NSF, and OSTP (contact information is below). Feel free to personalize it with your story. Our focus is on how the PAEMST program benefits the state and national STEM communities, thereby increasing the STEM pipeline. This program identifies and supports leaders in math and science education.

Here is contact information for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

engagement@ostp.eop.gov is the general email address

Mr. Michael Kratsios, Director

Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President

Old Executive Office Building

1650 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington DC 20504

Dr. Lynne Parker, Principal Deputy Director

(same address as above)

3. Use the STEM Education Coalition Advocacy Link to send a message about funding STEM programs. You can personalize it with your information. It will be sent directly to your senators and representatives. https://www.stemedcoalition.org/take-action

4. Amplify on Social Media
Beginning this week, use your platform to share why PAEMST matters. Use the hashtag #PAEMST and tag @NSF, @WhiteHouseOSTP, as well as your Member of Congress and Senators to increase visibility. The attached folder has 5 different graphics that you can use.  Please post at least 5 times over the next 2 weeks. You may want to include a picture from the award ceremony, state recognition, the banner sent to your school, or any other photo that would show the impact of the award at the state or national level.

We have a group of awardees writing op-ed pieces and working to establish contact with the NSF, OSTP, and our national STEM organizations.

We need YOU!  The PAEMST program has always been about excellence, inspiration, and the belief that strong teachers transform lives. Let’s work together to ensure it continues for generations of educators and students to come. YOUR VOICE MATTERS! PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW!

Thank you!

Linda Antinone

Council of Presidential Awardees in Mathematics, President

Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching, OH 1993