Sloan STEM Teaching Awards

About the Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics

Since 2009, the Fund for the City of New York has honored exceptional educators with the Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics in New York City public high schools.

The award casts a spotlight on teachers who go to great lengths to help their students shine. These are educators who achieve superb results while inspiring youth to excel in science and mathematics and pursue careers in related fields.

Annually, seven exceptional teachers are selected for the award–each teacher receives $5,000 as an acknowledgement of their achievements, and the school’s science or mathematics department receives $2,500 to strengthen their program. Winners also receive a commemorative highlight video, brochure, portrait, and crystal trophy. The awardees are celebrated by the news media and on social media. Special promotions include a full-page ad in The New York Daily News.

Eligibility & Criteria

Requirements

To qualify for nomination, a teacher must be a New York City public high school math or science teacher for at least five years, must teach at least four periods a day, and demonstrate excellence in teaching and in achieving results. The winners are chosen by an independent panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators.

Among the criteria to be used in the evaluation of the candidates are:

• Student achievement, progress and outcomes
• Teaching style and effectiveness
• Innovation and creativity in the classroom environment
• Extracurricular mathematics or science activities for students
• Success in motivating students with diverse or special backgrounds
• Use of technology where appropriate
• Promotes mathematics and science inside and outside the school
• Encourages students to pursue careers in science and mathematics, including teaching

Nominations are welcome from principals, supervisors, colleagues, students, former students, parents and others who are familiar with the teacher’s work. Any science or mathematics teacher who has taught in one of New York City’s 422 public high schools for at least five years may be nominated. Nominations for the awards are accepted throughout the year.