NSF Seeks Input on the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Program 

Last week, the National Science Foundation announced a request for information (RFI), of its Excellence Awards in Science and Engineering (EASE), which includes the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program.

PAEMST is the nation's highest honor for K-12 STEM teachers, recognizing educators who demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of the subjects they teach, and their ability to inspire, motivate and enable student success. The program is administered by NSF on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy,

In July 2025, NSF announced a pause of the PAEMST to conduct a comprehensive assessment. This RFI is seeking input from the science and STEM education and research communities on exemplary practices, lessons learned, and criteria for the program. Educators and others interested in maintaining and helping to revamp this highly prestigious program are strongly encouraged to respond to the RFI by May 28, 2026.

Trump Abruptly Dismisses the National Science Board

On April 24, President Trump abruptly terminated all 22 members of the National Science Board (NSB). Established by the National Science Foundation Act of  1950, the NSB is an independent board that establishes NSF policies and strategic direction and provides independent advice to the President and Congress on science and engineering. It also publishes the recently released State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2026

Members of Congress and leading scientific organizations quickly opposed the decision to terminate the NSB members. 

“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation,” said Ranking Member Lofgren. “The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It is, unfortunately, no surprise that a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won't stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move."

“The dismissal of the National Science Board is the latest in a string of erratic decisions that are destabilizing not only the National Science Foundation, but all of American science,” said Dr Sudip Parikh, the chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) “Whatever the reasons, this action sets a precedent and implies that scientific priorities and policies will swing with the political whims of every administration. If we want the United States to lead in science and technology and the benefits to accrue to the American people, we must have a vision, plan and resources guided by science, not politics. In the absence of clear communication from government leaders, this move, combined with other seemingly indiscriminate yet consequential decisions, reinforces the following message: America is abdicating its position as the global leader in science, technology and discovery. We cannot let this happen.”

In a statement, AAU President Barbara R. Synder noted, “I am deeply troubled by the administration’s reported decision to dismiss all members of the National Science Board, particularly given the fact that the National Science Foundation has been without a director for more than a year. The NSB—composed of many of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers from academia and industry—plays a critical role in setting NSF’s strategic direction, approving major research priorities, and providing independent advice to the president and Congress on the health of the United States’ research and innovation enterprise. 

Without a board or a confirmed director, the foundation is rudderless at the very time when clear direction and strategic oversight for the NSF are essential to maintaining America’s global scientific leadership. At a time when China is investing heavily in science and has matched or surpassed the United States in several key fields, dismantling the NSB’s independent voice sends exactly the wrong signal. It risks undermining the research, workforce development, and scientific leadership essential to U.S. competitiveness, national security, and economic growth.”

 NSTA Advocacy in Action

As the FY2027 appropriations year kicks off, NSTA is joining ranks with other advocates in support of two key measures:

• The Coalition on Human Needs, Committee for Education Funding, Coalition for Health Funding, and Campaign to Invest in America’s Workforce letter to congressional appropriations leaders urging them to provide a robust FY 2027 allocation for the Labor–HHS–Education Subcommittee. The letter calls on Congress to reject the Administration’s proposed cuts and instead reverse recent reductions so these vital programs can meet the needs of families, communities, and local economies.
• A letter from national and state education organizations urging Congress to support educators and students by increasing funding for Title II, Part A, by $210 million, bringing the total to $2.4 billion in FY 2027 appropriations. The letter also calls for Congress to reject the president’s proposal to eliminate the Title IIA program and consolidate its funding into a block grant.

For the latest advocacy and policy updates, be sure to check out our Legislative Updates blog series, which is featured in our e-newsletters, NSTA Reports, and NSTA Weekly. 

The mission of NSTA is to transform science education to benefit all through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy.