Educator Recognition Overview

Every year, DESE and partner organizations recognize a small number of outstanding educators from across the Commonwealth. More information on each award program is below. Please consider nominating an educator or applying for one of these recognitions yourself!

Recognition name	Who it honors	Prize	Due date for applications and nominations
Massachusetts Teacher of the Year	Full-time teachers who have completed at least 4 years of teaching experience, spend the majority of the school day in direct instruction of students, possess an active and valid Mass. teaching license, and teach in a public school or DESE-approved adult learning center	Public speaking opportunities, expenses-paid trips to convenings with other state teachers of the year, becomes the state's nominee for National Teacher of the Year	The due date has passed for 2024 Teacher of the Year applications. To submit a name for consideration for 2025, please email educatorrecognition@doe.mass.gov .
Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year	K–12 teachers who teach American history (including state or local history) and have at least 3 years of classroom experience	$1,000 and a collection of American history classroom resources	Nominations due March 31, 2023. Nominees must submit supporting materials by April 30, 2023.
Massachusetts Milken Educator	K–12 educators	$25,000	Selection is secret and does not include an application.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)	Science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science. Grade span eligibility alternates each year.	$10,000 National Science Foundation award and a trip to Washington, D.C.	For 2024, applications will open for grades K–6 teachers in fall 2023. For 2025, applications will open for grades 7–12 teachers in fall 2024.
Distinguished Educators	Early- to mid-career teachers and principals. Grade level varies as needed.	Considered for advisory boards and task forces	Recommendations for elementary and secondary educators are due April 14, 2023. Educators cannot self-recommend.
Sontag Prize	Educators who teach reading and writing, math, science, or specials (physical education, music, art, etc.)		Please check the website for updates.

Last Updated: March 15, 2023