Q: What is the deadline to submit an application?
A: The deadline for the 2012 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence has now passed. Information about the 2013 awards will be posted in Fall 2012.

Q:  How do I apply or get more information?
A: The deadline for the 2012 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence has now passed. Information about the 2013 awards will be posted in Fall 2012. For further information about the awards program, 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. In addition, 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. Additionally, the winners are often  recognized at school based ceremony in the spring in their community.

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. At the time of application, teachers must have completed a full three years of full time science teaching in order to be eligible.

Q. Is it possible for an elementary school teacher to win this award even though they teach other subjects in addition to science?
A: Yes, elementary school teachers can win this award and they have in the past. Science is considered a major subject area in most elementary schools, for which the teacher must provide lessons. Previous AASTE winners include elementary schools teachers from all eligible locations. Click here for a list of recent winners.

Q: Can I submit a joint application with another science teacher?
A: No. The award is limited to individual teachers only. If you are a team teacher, you may each submit individual applications for this award.

Q: Do I need to teach at one single school?
A: Yes. The award is limited to teachers that work at one single school facility.

Q:  Can I submit my application by mail?
A: No. You must complete your 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: Can I include attachments with my application?
A: Yes. You should include your resume, release forms, a photograph of your classroom, and one letter of recommendation. You may also upload up to two examples of student work. Documents exceeding this limit will not be considered by the judges.

Q: How long will it take me to complete this application?
A: The online application will take approximately 2-3 hours. If you cannot complete the entire application at once, you have the ability to save your work and return to it later.

Q: Why are teachers required to submit a photo of thier classroom?
A: Amgen is committed to recognizing excellent science teachers, and the classroom photo and accompanying explanation will provide judges with helpful information about your science teaching in action.

Q: Can you provide any guidance on what type of content you are looking for in the biography or essay?
A: Please see the "Tips for AASTE Applicants" section of this website for helpful suggestions on strengthening your application.

Q: Is the award open to teachers across the United States and Canada?
A: In the U.S., applications will only be accepted from science educators who teach in the communities (listed below) in states where Amgen operates.

For the 2012 awards, this specifically includes the following communities:

California

• Ventura County
• San Francisco Bay Area (including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties)

Colorado

• Front Range Counties (including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Gilpin, Larimer, Park, Pueblo, Teller, and Weld Counties)

Kentucky

• Jefferson County

Massachusetts

• Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk Counties

Puerto Rico (all)

Rhode Island (all)

Washington

• King and Snohomish Counties

Canada (all)

Q:  Who were the recent recipients of the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence?
A:  Click here to read more about the recent winners.

Q: When will I know the status of my application?
A: Winners will be notified by June 2012. All other applicants will be notified by mail after winners have been announced.