Eligibility & Nomination Process

Current MƒA Master Teachers who are in their second, third, fourth, or fifth Master Teacher Fellowship are eligible to be nominated. The complete list of eligible teachers can be found here. (The award recipient must be available on the evening of the award ceremony). 

Nomination Process

We seek nominations from individuals who work in math and science education and who want to recognize extraordinary MƒA Master Teachers who are making contributions to the field of STEM education. Nominations can be submitted by anyone in the following categories:

• Principal, Assistant Principal, coach, or non-MƒA teaching colleague from the teachers’ school
• Any district or central administrator
• A mathematician or scientist or faculty in higher education
• Any professional engaged in STEM-related issues in education

*MƒA staff members and current MƒA teachers are not eligible to serve as nominators, though current MƒA teachers may serve as references.

A complete nomination consists of the following:

• The Nomination Form, which includes contact information and title of the nominator. 
• A written description (nomination letter) explaining how the nominee meets the criteria for this award (see Award Criteria). The description should not exceed three single-spaced, typed pages. The extent to which the description makes a succinct case for the teacher is more important than the letter’s length.
• No more than three artifacts that illustrate the nominee’s influence. This may include items authored by the nominee, materials produced under the nominee’s leadership, and media articles about the nominee or their work.

  • When selecting an artifact, nominators should consider how well the artifact illustrates the breadth and depth of the nominee’s influence on others. Successful examples from previous years include news articles, publications, awards, and blogs.

  • Nominators should avoid artifacts that highlight a limited influence (e.g. an agenda for a meeting that includes a few teachers at the nominee’s school). 

Upon submission of a nominator’s materials (above), MƒA will contact the teacher being nominated to request contact information for two additional professionals who are willing to serve as references. At least one of these individuals must be from an entity other than the nominee’s school (current MƒA teachers may serve as references).

All nomination materials must be received by end of day on the application deadline in order to be considered for the award.

Award Criteria & Selection

Award Criteria

Nominee contributes to the math and/or science teaching profession.
How has this teacher had a positive impact within their school community?
In what ways has this teacher used their voice to drive change outside their own classroom?

Nominee is committed to supporting and influencing other math and/or science teachers.
How has this teacher demonstrated leadership in their own school and/or the broader math/science community?
What are the leadership qualities that define and distinguish this candidate?

Nominee inspires other teachers to stay in the teaching profession.
What distinguishes this teacher’s positive influence on others in the teaching profession?

Nominee’s work ethic has contributed to their success.
How has this teacher embraced optimism, dedication, and humility in their work?

Nominee has notable professional achievements.
How has the work of this teacher been publicly recognized?
What professional contributions and efforts has this teacher made beyond their regular scope of work?
 

Award Selection Process

A small group of finalists will be selected by an external screening committee and sent to the MƒA Board of Directors who will determine the two winners (one in math and one in science). Winning teachers and their nominator will be recognized at the award ceremony.

Nomination period - February 15 - April 7, 2023

Nomination deadline - April 7, 2023

Selection period - April - May 2023

Winner announced - May 22, 2023

Award ceremony - June 6, 2023

FAQs

What are the criteria for selection?
Individuals will be selected based on evidence of influence and professional contribution to the math and/or science teaching profession, as well as support for other educators.

I was nominated last year. Can I be nominated again
Yes. 

I nominated a teacher last year. Can I nominate the same teacher again, and if so, do I need to re-submit my nomination information?
Yes, you can nominate the same teacher a second time. Unless otherwise instructed, you should resubmit the nomination, updating the material where necessary and desired. 

I won the Muller Award last year. Am I eligible to win again?
No, an individual teacher can only win the Muller Award once.

Why does the award put such an emphasis on influence?
MƒA recognizes, rewards, and celebrates excellent classroom teaching through our fellowships and the work of the MƒA community. This award is different in that it seeks to recognize how teachers are positively impacting the broader landscape of math and science teaching and their fellow educators.

Are the recipients required to do anything specific with their monetary awards?
The award carries a $20,000 honorarium for the teacher and a $5,000 award for the school or organization of its nominator. The prize is unrestricted; recipients may spend as they choose.

Can I nominate myself?
No. Nominations must be made by individuals working in the field(s) of math and/or science education who wish to recognize the contributions of another math and/or science educator.

How do I find out which teachers are eligible?
You can find the list of eligible teachers here.

What if I have additional questions? 
Email us.