Mar 27 2025
Nicole Anderson, a math teacher at Priest River Lamanna High School, has been named one of six finalists from Idaho for the 2025 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
This prestigious award is the highest honor given to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) educators in the United States. A national committee will review approximately 300 finalists across the country, ultimately selecting two teachers from each state.
According to the PAEMST website, the last recipient from Bonner County was Betty Collins, a former science teacher at Sagle Elementary, who earned the award in 1999.
Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield, highlighted the significance of the awards, stating, “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.” She emphasized the growing importance of dedicated educators in preparing students for future STEM-related careers.
Finalists at the national level will receive recognition from the White House, with benefits including a paid trip to Washington D.C., a certificate signed by the president, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. National awardees are expected to be announced by the White House this summer.
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