It recognizes a combination of sustained and exemplary work both in, and outside of, the classroom.
Winners use the money at their discretion to promote math and science education.
Awardees also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., during which each receives a recognition certificate signed by the President. Awardees also attend seminars and engage in professional discussions with their peers and with national legislators and education policymakers. Each awardee also receives a selection of gifts from private-sector contributors to the program. Candidates are then chosen on the basis of their teaching performance, their background and their experience. This includes an evaluation of their formal education and continuing educational experience as well as professional and other activities related to their teaching.