In November 2009, the Fund for the City of New York, along the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, recognized the first winners in the its new program: the Sloan Awards for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics in New York City Public High Schools. (Click here to learn more about the 2009 winners.) Its purpose is to recognize creative mathematics and science teachers who achieve superb results and inspire young people to pursue careers in science and mathematics.

Each year, seven awards will be given. Each teacher will receive $5,000 and the school's science or mathematics department will receive $2,500 to be used to strengthen their program.

To qualify for nomination, a teacher must be a New York City 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 will be 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

How to Nominate

Nominations are welcome from school administrators, colleagues, parents and students and others who are in a position to have first-hand knowledge of the nominee's excellence in teaching. Nominations for the awards will be accepted from December 1 through March 31.  Click here to submit a nomination on-line.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Sloan Awards for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics, call or email Jill Borrero at 212-925-6675; jborrero@fcny.org.