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 paused. The National Science Foundation has asked for input. 

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a Request for Information (RFI), inviting suggestions and innovations to inform a comprehensive review of its Excellence Awards in Science and Engineering (EASE). NSF remains committed to advancing high-quality K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and mentoring, including through EASE.

Please respond by May 28, 2026.
Here are the ways that you can act now: 

Complete the survey at 

• Web: Responses can be submitted via https://nsfevaluation.gov1.qualtrics.com/​jfe/​form/​SV_​85KQysAz92UZmlg. The Request for Information (RFI), has information about the program that can be useful in completing the survey. 

These are the questions in the survey.

• Do you think that any components of the PAEMST and/or PAESMEM application and award processes should be revised to more effectively promote identification and recognition of the highest quality teachers and mentors from all types of institutions across the nation?

• Do you think that any of the “dimensions” (outlined in the background section above) that are used to evaluate applicants/nominees should be revised or removed/eliminated? Should any new dimensions be considered? Please provide justification for the changes suggested.

• How do you think applicants'/nominees' success in each dimension should be indicated in applications and assessed as part of the review process? In particular, how should the applicants/nominees demonstrate that they are using effective pedagogies, models, and frameworks to achieve success in teaching or mentoring for the communities they serve? How should they demonstrate the use of research and data to set goals, to monitor progress toward goals, to address gaps and defects in their practices, and to ensure success and impact? 

• How do you think applicants/nominees should demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of their efforts on the STEM workforce (including the teacher/faculty workforce)? Important elements of such efforts include a commitment to success for all students; promoting students' persistence in STEM and advancement in the STEM workforce; engaging in professional development; providing advice to colleagues and service to the community; building knowledge in STEM education; and exhibiting transparency regarding outcomes.

In addition to the survey, we recommend that you also send an email especially to NSF, but also to others listed below. Email NSF, OSPT, and your congressional representatives. The email for the NSF requests on PAEMST is

• Email: RFI-EASE@nsf.gov. Email submissions should be machine-readable and not be copy-protected. Submissions should include “RFI Response: PAEMST/PAESMEM” in the subject line. 

Send a letter to NSF at the address below. 

• Mail: U.S. National Science Foundation, Directorate for STEM Education, Attn.: RFI on PAEMST/PAESMEM, Randolph Building, 401 Dulany St., Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. 

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 continue 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
On the CPAM list-serv, you received 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. If you need a copy of the letter, email me at antinonel@gmail.com.

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)

Here is the contact information for the National Science Foundation (NSF)

Mr. Brian Stone, Acting Director

National Science Foundation

2415 Eisenhower Ave 

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 292-5111

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

4. Amplify on Social Media
Use your platform to share why PAEMST matters. Use the hashtag #PAEMST and #SavePAEMST and tag @NSF, @WhiteHouseOSTP, as well as your Member of Congress and Senators to increase visibility. You received a folder with five different graphics that you can use. Contact me if you need me to resend them to you. Please post often. 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 from both mathematics and science working to advocate on our behalf with OSTP, NSF, and our national STEM organizations. Numbers show strength and increase the visibility of the program.

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