Effects of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) on teacher leadership trajectories

Providing teachers opportunities to lead has a positive effect on student achievement and teacher retention, which is critical in a time when there is a shortage of qualified STEM teachers. While there is research on the impact of professional development (PD) programs on teacher leadership, there is sparse literature on the impact of award or recognition programs such as the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). In this qualitative case study of eight PAEMST teacher leaders, we found that the PAEMST program accelerates and promotes STEM teacher leadership trajectories. The PAEMST program does this through: (a) the application process, which provided teachers with an informal PD experience; (b) the award notification experience, which served as external validation to boost teachers' confidence and identification as leaders; and (c) external validation and an expanded professional network, all of which led to increased leadership opportunities at the state and national level. Furthermore, we found increased opportunities to lead within the school and district was mediated by the reaction of their colleagues, school culture, and school leadership structures. We offer recommendations for administrators and practitioners in providing teacher leadership trajectories for awardees to positively influence their schools.