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BOISE — A math teacher at Priest River Lamana Junior/Senior High School has been named a finalist for the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Nichole Anderson is one of six Idahoans who will be considered against other math and science teachers from around the country for recognition as national PAEMST awardees. The award is widely considered to be the top honor bestowed by the U.S. government to K-12 science, technology, engineering and math educators. Nominees are considered based on their quality of teaching, leadership and impacts made in the classroom, according to a press release from the Idaho Department of Education.
“The PAEMST awards are an opportunity for us to recognize Idaho educators who are pulling out all of the stops when it comes to student achievement in STEM,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said in the press release.
STEM educators from each of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. territories and the Department of Defense Activity Schools receive the award. Awardees must submit lesson videos and “rigorous” application materials for consideration, according to the press release.
Nominees who advance to the national level are recognized by the White House and receive a paid trip to Washington, D.C., a certificate signed by the president and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. The White House is expected to announce the national awardees this summer.
“As opportunities in STEM-related careers continue to grow in Idaho and nationwide, the work that these dedicated educators are doing has never been more vital — or more impactful — for our students and communities,” Critchfield said in the press release.
More than 5,200 educators have been recognized since the program’s inception.
The department encourages anyone, including principals, teachers, parents, students and members of the public, to nominate STEM educators teaching K-6 for the 2025–2026 school year. Teachers may also apply for the award themselves using the application on the PAEMST website.
The PAEMST awards alternate between elementary and secondary school teachers. The nomination process for the next PAEMST cycle opens this fall and will honor elementary-level educators.
