Olympia, Tumwater teachers receive presidential awards in STEM teaching 

Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching handed out last week

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Spencer Olmsted, of Roosevelt Elementary School in the Olympia School District (OSD), and Kristi Martin, of Black Hills High School in the Tumwater School District (TSD), received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). 

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) stated the award is the highest given to kindergarten through 12th grade math and science teachers in the United States. 

Olmsted and Martin were among the 336 teachers and mentors nationwide that President Joe Biden recognized on Jan. 13 for their aptitude in teaching math and science. 

A White House news release described the award as an honor for the vital role that America’s teachers play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers and innovators. 

“A huge congratulations to Spencer Olmsted of Roosevelt Elementary School, a recipient of the prestigious PAEMST award! His dedication to shaping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators is truly inspiring,” OSD wrote in a social media post. 

Other awardees include Pullman Public School’s Johanna Brown, Kennewick School District’s Rama Devagupta, Renton School District’s Kaia Tomokiyo Anderson and Seattle Public School’s Sara Rubio. 

“Huge CONGRATULATIONS to Black Hills High Schools' Kristi Martin!!! She recently learned that she is the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST),” TSD wrote in a social media post. 

PAEMST 

PAEMST, which was established in 1983, remains the highest award K-12 math and science teachers receive from the government.  

Any teacher who is nominated for PAEMST must teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics (STEM) subjects, hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and be a full-time employee.

They must also have at least five years of full-time employment as a K-12 teacher, teach in one of the schools in the nation’s territories, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and not have received the PAEMST award at the national level before. 

Award recipients from former years came from the 50 U.S. 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). 

PAEMST nominees complete a rigorous application process to evaluate their content knowledge, and adaptability to various learning and teaching settings. 

The selection panel is comprised of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national levels before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).  

Awardees are selected for their distinction in the classroom and dedication to STEM education advancement. 

The National Science Foundation, which manages PAEMST on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, provides each recipient with $10,000. 

In addition to the cash gift, PAEMST awardees also enjoy a certificate signed by the president, an all-expenses-paid trip to a recognition event and access to the alumni network. 

For more information, visit the PAEMST website 

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