Q: How do I apply or get more information?
A: The application for this year’s award is available on the Apply for 2009 AASTE page. For further information, please contact us at 805-447-4056 or amgenfoundation@amgen.com
Q: What benefits do the winners receive?
A: Winners receive a personal, unrestricted cash award of $5,000 USD or $5,000 CAD. A restricted $5,000 USD or $5,000 CAD cash award is granted to the recipient’s school for the expansion or enhancement of a school science program, for science resources, or for the professional development of the school’s science teachers.
Q: What’s the difference between the unrestricted and restricted monies?
A: The unrestricted portion of the award may be used by the teacher however the teacher wishes. The restricted portion of the grant must be used by the recipient’s school for the expansion or enhancement of a school science program, for science resources, or for the professional development of the school’s science teachers.
Q: Why are teachers required to have taught science for at least three years in order to be eligible?
A: This award is to honor those who help sustain excellence in science education. Long-term experience in the field is very important.
Q: Can I submit my application by mail?
A: No. You must complete your 2009 AASTE application online unless you are filling out the Spanish or French language applications. Spanish and French applications can be mailed as a hard copy to the address listed in the PDF or e-mailed to amgenfoundation@amgen.com.
Q: Why are teachers required to submit an innovative lesson plan?
A: Amgen is committed to recognizing excellent science teachers, and the evaluation of an innovative lesson plan is a key part of the judging process. In addition, we believe the posting of winners’ lesson plans on www.amgen.com will bolster excellence and innovation in science teaching.
Q: If I win this award, will my lesson plan be shared publicly?
A: Selected lesson plans will be posted on amgen.com in the hopes that other teachers will benefit from these innovative teaching practices. Winners’ names and schools will be posted in conjunction with the lesson plan. The 2008 AASTE recipients' lesson plans can be accessed here.
Q: Is the award open to teachers accross the United States and Canada?
A: Applications are accepted from science educators who teach in the communities where Amgen operates. These locations currently include California, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Washington or Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec only).
Q: Who were the 2008 recipients of the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence?
A: Click here to read more about the 2008 recipients.
Q: When will I know if I have won the award?
A: Winners will be notified between April and June 2009.
