Five Maine teachers are finalists for the 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the Maine Department of Education announced today.

The annual award is given to one mathematics or science teacher from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions.

The Maine finalists are: Lauree Gott, Veazie Community School, grade 6 science; Margaret Morton, South Bristol School, grades 5 and 6 science; Pamela Thompson, Madison Elementary School, grades 3 and 4 science; Kimberly Spencer, Yarmouth Elementary School, grades 2 and 3 mathematics; and Tricia Fletcher, Bowdoinham Community School, grade 2 mathematics.

The five finalists will be honored at an awards banquet in Augusta in January. The Maine award winner will be announced by the White House in the spring.

Recipients of the award receive a citation signed by the president, a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a week-long series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, gifts from program sponsors from around the country, and $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

The award program honors individual achievement and the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching.

"Maine is lucky to have these talented and devoted teachers committed to the science and mathematics education of our students," said Anita Bernhardt, Maine's coordinator of the award program. She is also the science specialist at the Maine Department of Education and the 2003 Maine Presidential Award winner.

Nominees undergo a rigorous nomination process that includes videotaping and written self-analysis of their teaching methodology and student learning. Their videotapes, analyses, recommendations and resumes are reviewed by state and national committees.

This year's finalists are all K-6 teachers because the National Science Foundation, which administers the annual award, alternates between teachers of grades K-6 and 7-12.

Enacted by Congress in 1983, the program authorizes the president to make up to 108 awards each year. The National Science Foundation administers the award program on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Principals, teachers, parents and others may nominate a teacher. Nominations for the 2009 award for teachers of grades 7-12 are due April 1 and applications are due in May. Teachers are encouraged to nominate themselves.

For more information about the award program, including nomination and application forms, visit www.paemst.org.

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