Texas Mathematics Teacher Spring/Summer 2021 - 30

TEA Updates
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) - PAEMST awards are the highest
honors bestowed by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching. The awards were
established by Congress in 1983. Each president since then has recognized up to 108 exemplary teachers each year. The
National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of
mathematics and science education.
The 2022 competition is scheduled to open in the fall for teachers who teach math or science in grades K-6. Teachers can
sign up to apply or be nominated. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit a completed application by the deadline will
earn 25 hours of CPE credit. To sign up, apply, or find information about the awards, teachers can visit www.paemst.org.
In Texas, questions can be sent to tx_paemst@tea.texas.gov.
The Texas State Board of Education recognized math and science PAEMST state finalists and national awardees at the
January 2021 meeting. TEA presented each state finalists with a Texas flag flown over the state Capitol in recognition of
receiving this honor.
The following math teachers were recognized as 2020 Texas PAEMST State Finalists:

Kristi Butler
Northwest ISD
Ft. Worth, TX

Desirae Harcrow
Tomball ISD
Tomball, TX

Kassidy Wagner
Prosper ISD
Prosper, TX

Since the PAEMST awards began in 1983, more than 4,400 teachers across the nation
have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education.
Presidential Awardees receive a citation signed by the president of the United States, a trip
to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development
opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
Bridget Matamoros-Mota was recognized as a Texas PAEMST national awardee. TEA
presented Ms. Matamoros-Mota with a U.S. flag flown over the national Capitol in
recognition of her selection as a Texas national awardee.
Bridget Matamoros-Mota
2019 Secondary Math Awardee
Denton ISD
Denton, TX

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Texas Mathematics Teacher

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Texas Mathematics Teacher Spring/Summer 2021

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