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PAEMST
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Since 1983, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. Up to 108 teachers are recognized each year. Presidential Awardees receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a trip for two 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.
2025 New Mexico PAEMST State Finalists
The 2025 PAEMST State Selection Committees (SSC) for Math and Science have selected finalists to move forward for the PAEMST National Review.
The SSC selected:
- Alicia Gonzales, a 25-year veteran math teacher, who currently teaches Grade 7 mathematics at Pojoaque Valley Middle School for Pojoaque Valley Public Schools as a math state finalist,
- Marion Markham, a 9-year veteran science teacher, who currently teaches Grade 7 science at El Dorado Community School for the Santa Fe Public School district as a science state finalist,
- Demvia Maslian, an associate professor with over two decades of experience, who current teaches high school biology, earth science and environmental biology at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM as a science state finalist, and
- Jennifer Webb, an 18-year educator who teaches Algebra 1 at East Mountain High School as a math state finalist.
The New Mexico SSC included current classroom teachers, current PAEMST national awardees, instructional coaches, school/district administrators, retired educators, post-secondary faculty, and Math & Science Advisory Council members, who selected the state finalists. State finalists will be honored at state ceremonies this year. All four PAEMST state finalists represent the most outstanding educators New Mexico has to offer, who serve as both role models and inspirations to students and fellow teachers. As state finalists, they will represent New Mexico for the National PAEMST Review in 7–12 math and science education.
Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district-level personnel, and classroom teachers recommends up to 108 teachers to receive PAEMST awards. Up to two teachers—mathematics or science—from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories as a group (comprising American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) receive the award. PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from NSF, a Presidential certificate, and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state/jurisdiction and national STEM teaching.
Once again, congratulations to Alicia, Marion, Demvia and Jennifer for moving math and science education forward and for the years of dedication to our New Mexico students.
2025 Teachers Selected as New Mexico State Finalists
2025—Secondary Educators (Grades 7–12)
Alicia Gonzales
Pojoaque Valley Public Schools
7–12 Mathematics
Alicia has been a dedicated educator for 25 years in the Española, Santa Fe, and Pojoaque school districts, specializing in math and Spanish instruction, with a strong focus on supporting students who struggle with mathematical concepts and foundational skills. She hold a master’s degree in teacher education with an emphasis on math and science from New Mexico State University. Her passion for math education has led to participation in professional development programs such as the Math Teacher Leader Network and the Ir-Rational Number Institute through the Los Alamos National Laboratory Math and Science Academy, where she deepened her understanding of conceptual math instruction.
Currently teaching Grade 7 at Pojoaque Valley Middle School, she also served as an instructional coach and mentor teacher for the district. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom through leadership roles in programs like the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Instructional Materials Review Committee and the Math Amigos professional development network. She has co-organized events like the Julia Robinson Math Festival and the Mindset Math Summer Camp in her community to promote student engagement in mathematics. In 2019, she was a recipient of the Los Alamos National Lab Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award. Her main focus continues to be fostering confidence and success in her students, ensuring they develop a positive relationship with math and learning.
Marion Markham
Santa Fe Public Schools
7–12 Science
Marion is the fifth generation of teachers in her family, raised in the model of capitalizing on the teachable moment. She developed my love of science in middle school and high school in South Brunswick, NJ. She was blessed to have many excellent science teachers who brought science to life every day in their classrooms. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a specialty in Marine Sciences from Eckerd College in St Petersburg, Florida. This was where her deep belief that science must be experienced first hand and hands-on was nurtured by professors and the diverse ecosystems around Florida.
She is passionate about inquiry based scientific exploration and applied field science in particular. Curious by nature, she am always seeking to understand the world around her and strives to share that curiosity and passion with her students. She is fascinated by the way children and young adults think about the world they live in. This pedagogy has been shaped by being privileged to work with so many excellent educators at El Dorado Community School over the past 12 years, first as an educational assistant in grades K–8 and then for nine years in her own science classroom. It is an honor, and a joy to be able to explore science with the 7th and 8th grade students at El Dorado Community School.
Demvia Maslian
New Mexico Military Institute
7–12 Science
Demvia Acosta Maslian is an accomplished science educator with over two decades of teaching experience across multiple countries and educational settings. Currently serving as an Associate Professor of Sciences at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM. She is completing her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Technology at New Mexico State University. Her distinguished career includes multiple teaching excellence awards, including recognition as the 2022 Outstanding Biology Teacher for the State of New Mexico awarded by the National Association of Biology Teachers, and extensive experience mentoring award-winning student science projects at regional, national, and international competitions.
A passionate STEM advocate and leader, Ms. Maslian has collaborated to obtain funding for educational initiatives, co-founded her institution’s STEM Club, and serves on the steering committee for the New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge. Her inspiring approach to science education has had a profound impact on her students’ academic trajectories, with many pursuing STEM majors in college as a direct result of her influential teaching. Her commitment to fostering scientific inquiry is evident through her successful coaching of students to championships in prestigious competitions like the International Science and Engineering Fair, the National STEM Challenge competition, and the NM Governor’s STEM Challenge, where her teams have consistently earned top honors for innovative research addressing real-world environmental challenges.
Jennifer Webb
East Mountain High School
7–12 Mathematics
Jennifer Webb has been an educator for 18 years, teaching Math and Science in the Albuquerque area. She spent nine years at Roosevelt Middle School before joining East Mountain High School, where she is now in her second year as a Math teacher. She currently serves as head of the Math Department and Curriculum Lead. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of New Mexico and is National Board Certified. Passionate about student engagement, Jennifer has recently implemented the Thinking Classroom model to empower students through collaboration and critical thinking. She believes that teaching students how to learn, reflect, and develop self-direction are the most valuable skills for lifelong success.
Nominate/Apply for the 2025 Cycle
The PAEMST Awards honor mathematics, science, engineering, technology and computer science teachers. This year’s cycle is open to Grade 7–12 educators. To NOMINATE OR APPLY, VISIT the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching website.
The National Science Foundation is currently accepting nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program. PAEMST are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.
The PAEMST program is open to outstanding STEM teachers in the 50 states; Washington, D.C.; the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Education Activity schools; and the U.S. Territories as a group.
Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate a teacher by completing the nomination form available on the PAEMST website. To submit a nomination, you will need the teacher’s name, email address, and school contact information. If you know more than one teacher deserving of this award, you may submit more than one nomination. Teachers may also apply directly at https://paemst.nsf.gov/.
Presidential Awardees receive a certificate 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. They also join a network of award-winning teachers from across the country. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on the behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.The National Science Foundation (NSF) is beginning to accept nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate a teacher starting on October 1, 2024. Applications are due 9:59 p.m. MST (11:59 p.m. EST) on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
PAEMST Applicant Resources
We are here to support you during the next few months as you work on your remaining application components prior to the deadline of February 6, 2025. If you need assistance or encouragement with your application, or simply want the opportunity to ask questions about certain components, be sure to register for an upcoming applicant webinar, reach out to us, or contact the PAEMST helpdesk at paemst@nsf.gov.
Being recognized as a PAEMST awardee is a tremendous honor. Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President; a trip to Washington, D.C.; a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF); and join a prestigious cadre of awardees from across the country.
To provide support, we are including some general suggestions and advice from past awardees and judges, guidance on the written narrative, and upcoming webinars and office hours to help you finish strong!
PAEMST Application Support Canvas Course
The New Mexico State Coordinators of Mathematics and Science developed a self-paced Canvas resource as interested applicants begin their applications.
Preparing the Presidential Award Application
Advice from past awardees and judges about preparing the application:
- Work with colleagues and mentors with whom you can strategize, bounce off ideas and review your writing. There are past awardees who are eager to help. Contact the state coordinator or PAEMST for help.
- Show that you are reflective. Your thinking and growth is more important than a long list of activities and accomplishments.
- Start uploading sections of your narrative as you complete items. You can continue to edit and replace items until you hit the final Submit button.
- Be certain to follow exactly the guidelines on length, font, spacing, etc.
- Contact the PAEMST helpdesk with any questions, (e.g. video format, responses to questions, citations, etc.). They are responsive: paemst@nsf.gov or 1-855-723-6780.
- Contact the New Mexico PAEMST team at stem.learning@ped.nm.gov.
Video suggestions
- Have the video demonstrate your skill at teaching. This does not mean it has to be a lecture, but the video should show your interaction with the students and how you help them learn the concepts and skills. A video with only lab activities may not show your role in the learning as well as including some discussion.
- The class you record does not have to be perfect. Reviewers expect to see how you respond to discipline issues and disturbances in classes.
- Try to have good sound on the video so that the reviewers can hear your discussion with students. If it is hard to pick up the speech you could supply a transcript in the supplemental materials.
- You may need to record several classes to get a good video. Upload it early in the application process to cover for technical problems. Note the requirements about breaks.
- Since the video is limited to 30 minutes, describe in your narrative the activities and discussions that precede and follow the video.
- You may have one break in the video. So you could show the lesson introduction and the start of an activity, have a break, and then show the summary of the lesson. In your narrative you should describe what happened during the break.
Attributes of Great Presidential Applications (from brainstorming by reviewers)
These are ideas that often go beyond the requirements of the PAEMST application document and make the application advance from good to outstanding:
- Write in a claims and evidence style. Make the claim that you are doing great things (instruction, assessment, etc.) and provide the evidence to support that claim.
- Video and supplemental materials support the claims in the narrative.
- The focus in your narrative should be on the learning of the students and not just the mechanics of instruction.
- In your narrative, provide citations of supporting evidence in the video (e.g. time marks), supplemental materials, and other application materials.
- Provide citations of literature that support claims in the application.
Get a Mentor
Data shows that applicants who receive mentoring are much more likely to finish and create a competitive application. Mentors support by:
- Reviewing and giving feedback on mentee’s application
- Giving tips on creating a compelling application
- Guidance on application requirements and restrictions
- Instruction on Criteria for Five Dimensions of Outstanding Teaching
- Helping to review the application prior to submission
Please submit your mentor requests by January 6, 2025 in the PAEMST applicant portal.
Upcoming PAEMST Webinars
We encourage you to keep the momentum going and register for an upcoming webinar.
PAEMST webinars will provide you with a detailed overview of the application process and the opportunity to ask questions. Webinars may focus on a specific section of the application, such as the video component, or be general in nature. To register for a webinar, or to view the full schedule, applicants can visit https://paemst.nsf.gov/webinar.
Narrative Portion
Before starting your response, be sure to review each of the five dimensions in the Written Response template. You don’t need to enter your Written Response into the portal all at once. Instead, we recommend drafting and editing your answers in a separate document first, then copying and pasting your response into each text box. Remember, the total allowable character count for the response is 27,500 characters, including spaces. Additionally, special characters or images cannot be pasted into the text boxes. Please review the application packet for a full list of technical requirements for your Written Response.
- Answer all parts of each question and don’t forget to edit. You can’t get credit for what you don’t do. Answer all parts completely and concisely and have someone else edit your work and grade it according to the four-point scoring scale.
- Be honest and reflective. Teaching is a craft that we are constantly developing. We strive for perfection, but we aren’t perfect. Being a reflective practitioner is a characteristic of effective teaching. Remember, this process is about you sharing the amazing things you do in the classroom every day. Don’t try to be who you think the panelists want you to be. Be your authentic self.
- Use your supplemental materials wisely. This is your opportunity to demonstrate the awesome teaching and learning experiences that take place every day in your classroom. Supplementary materials can take several forms including pictures (with labels) of labs, hands-on activities, field experiences, and other engaging STEM activities.
- Refer to the Guidance for the Narrative Portion. This document was created by past reviewers, state finalists and national awardees to support future applicants. It provides guiding questions to help you craft a response for each Dimension.
Office Hours
Join the PAEMST state coordinators in monthly office hours, geared towards specific topics. Please see the schedule below and register for one or all.
- October 8, 2024: Introduction to PAEMST and Application Overview, Q&A
- October 29, 2024: PAEMST Timeline/PAEMST Mentor Process, Q&A
- November 12, 2024: PAEMST Video Component, Q&A
- December 3, 2024: PAEMST Dimensions 1–2 & Canvas Mentorship, Q&A
- January 7, 2025: PAEMST Dimensions 3–4, Q&A
- February 4, 2025: PAEMST Dimension 5, Getting ready to submit the completed PAEMST application, Q&A
Teachers Selected as New Mexico State Finalists
The 2024 PAEMST State Selection Committees (SSC) for Math and Science have selected finalists to move forward for the PAEMST National Review.
The SSC selected
- Elaine Blaser, a fourteen-year veteran educator who teaches fifth-grade math and science at Carlos Gilbert Elementary School for the Santa Fe Public School district as a math state finalist,
- Michelle Sanchez, who has been an educator for over twenty-three years and teaches fifth-grade math and science teacher at Pojoaque Valley Intermediate School in Santa Fe as a math state finalist, and
- Megan Strain, a fourteen-year educator who teaches fifth-grade science at Desert Hills Elementary School in the Las Cruces Public School district as a science state finalist.
The New Mexico SSC included current classroom teachers, instructional coaches, school/district administrators, retired educators, post-secondary faculty, and Math & Science Advisory Council members selected as the state finalists. State finalists will be honored at state ceremonies this year. All three PAEMST state finalists represent the most outstanding educators New Mexico has to offer, who serve as both role models and inspirations to students and fellow teachers. As state finalists, they will represent New Mexico for the National PAEMST Review in K-6 math and science education.
Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district-level personnel, and classroom teachers recommends up to 108 teachers to receive PAEMST awards. Up to two teachers—mathematics or science—from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories as a group (comprising American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) receive the award. PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from NSF, a Presidential certificate, and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state/jurisdiction and national STEM teaching.
Once again, congratulations to Elaine, Michelle, and Megan for moving math and science education forward and for the years of dedication to our New Mexico students.
2024—Elementary Educators (Grades K–6)
Elaine Blaser
Santa Fe Public Schools
K–6 Mathematics
Elaine was raised by parents who instilled in her a life-long love of learning. Her father once told her that “everyone you meet has something to teach you. If you take the time to listen, you will learn.” She finds that when she is teaching, she not only needs to make sure that she knows the material, but that she learns from the interactions with her students, colleagues, and her school community. Each day in the classroom brings her laughter, joy, and challenge. After spending over a dozen years in a laboratory as a cytogeneticist, Elaine decided to go through the alternative licensure program for teaching in New Mexico Public Schools. It has been a very rewarding career choice for her.
Michelle Sanchez
Pojoaque Valley Public Schools
K–6 Mathematics
Michelle Sanchez was born and raised in Northern New Mexico. Michelle obtained her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Education Specialist certification from the University of New Mexico and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Wyoming. She is a 2022 Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award recipient and a 2023 New Mexico Golden Apple recipient. Michelle is passionate about teaching and helping students learn to enjoy mathematics and to understand that mathematics is creative, visuals, and the language of patterns. She enjoys trying new strategies in the classroom and challenging her students with stimulating mathematical tasks.
Megan Strain
Las Cruces Public Schools
K–6 Science
Megan believes science education is fundamentally essential for all students, therefore she tailors her pedagogical practices centered around her students’ engagement and authentic science experiences providing equity in science education in her classroom. She was recognized by New Mexico Academy of Science as the New Mexico Science Teacher of the Year in 2021 and is a current member of the NSTA.
2023—Secondary Educators (Grades 7–12)
Kimberly Conell
Albuquerque Public Schools
7–12 Mathematics
Debbie Grothaus
Los Alamos Public Schools
7–12 Science
Amanda Kraft
New Mexico International School
7–12 Science
Christopher Speck
Albuquerque Public Schools
7–12 Science
2022—Elementary Educators (Grades K–6)
Heather Harrell
Espanola Public Schools
K–6 Science
2021—Secondary Educators (Grades 7–12)
Teresa Butcher
Grants-Cibola County Schools
7–12 Mathematics
Marila Mancha-Garcia
Albuquerque Public Schools
7–12 Mathematics
Tara Palomares
Albuquerque Public Schools
7–12 Mathematics
Lesha Harenberg
Albuquerque Public Schools
7–12 Science
Congratulations to the recent National Finalists!
SANTA FE — Two New Mexico elementary school teachers are recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for teaching in science, technology, engineering and math.
Silvia Miranda of Mesa Elementary School in Clovis Municipal Schools received the K–6 mathematics award, and Hope Cahill of El Dorado Community School in Santa Fe Public Schools is the K–6 science awardee, the White House announced today.
Miranda taught fourth grade for eight years at Mesa Elementary, where she is now a reading specialist for kindergarten through second grade. She is a 2020 National Science Teaching Association Teacher Awards finalist and a 2018 Milken Educator Award recipient. In addition, she was Clovis Teacher of the Year in 2018 and a New Mexico Teacher of the Year finalist. She was a state ambassador for the New Mexico Teacher Leader Network for two years and served on the state Secretary’s Teacher Advisory.
Cahill has been teaching sixth and seventh grade science at El Dorado Community School since 2012. She developed an instructional unit around the study of the Socorro magma body that mirrors the work of field scientists. That work was featured in the summer 2021 edition of “The Earth Scientist,” a quarterly journal of the National Earth Science Teachers Association. She is also a group leader in STEM Santa Fe’s STEM Pathways for Girls, a conference for girls in fifth through eighth grades, and previously served on the planning committee.
The Presidential Awards are the nation’s highest distinction for teaching in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or computer science. Awardees are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning, along with their ability to help students make progress in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or computer science. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the awards program is to showcase the highest standards of STEM teaching.
Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, education researchers, district-level personnel and classroom teachers recommends up to 108 teachers to receive PAEMST awards. Up to two teachers — mathematics or science — are chosen from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Historically, awardees receive a certificate signed by the president and a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. In 2022, awardees will be recognized virtually later this month and at an in-person event as soon as COVID travel allows.
Since Congress established the Presidential Awards in 1983, more than 5,200 teachers have been honored.
For more information, contact: