Last month, the National Science Foundation (NSF) issued a request for information on the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program. Below is an excerpt from the response NSTA submitted to the NSF.

NSTA strongly supports preserving the prestige and national visibility of both award programs. These awards represent among the highest honors available to STEM educators and mentors in the United States, and their continued success is important to strengthening the nation’s STEM workforce pipeline.

At the same time, NSTA encourages the NSF and OSTP to modernize the programs in ways that:

• Reflect the evolving nature of science teaching and mentoring;
• Recognize excellence in the effective and ethical use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI);
• Continue emphasizing deep content knowledge and pedagogical excellence;
• Highlight hands-on, inquiry-based, and experiential learning;
• Recognize the importance of informal science education environments and community partnerships;
• Elevate the importance of workforce development and career-connected learning; and
• Strengthen recruitment and retention of STEM educators and mentors.

NSTA believes the central focus of both programs should remain excellence. While modernization is important, the programs should continue to celebrate exceptional educators and mentors whose work demonstrably improves student outcomes, inspires scientific curiosity, strengthens STEM identity, and prepares learners for future opportunities.

EXPLORAVISION Winners Go to Capitol Hill

Congratulations to the eight student teams recognized as the 2026 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision national winners. ExploraVision students, teachers, parents, and sponsors gathered in Washington DC in early June and were recognized for their winning solutions. They also spent a day on Capitol Hill showcasing their projects to and meeting with their members of Congress and staff. Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser proclaimed that June 5, 2026, was “EXPLORAVISION DAY” in Washington, DC. In a letter to students and teachers, Education Secretary Linda McMahon wrote, “The skills you have developed through this competition will serve you well throughout your life. Continue to work hard and seize every opportunity your education offers. You are the future of this great nation and will become the next scientists, engineers, astronauts, programmers, teachers, architects, and more.”

2026 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision winners during Capitol Hill visits.
 

Congressman Don Beyer speaking with 2026 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision winners.
 

U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley speaking with winners from the 2026 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competition.

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.