Q: What is the deadline to submit an application?
A: The deadline for the 2011 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence has passed. Information for the 2012 program will be provided in Fall 2011.

Q:  How do I apply or get more information?
A: The application for the 2011 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence award is no longer available. For further information about the 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. 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. At 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 the 2011 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 can include one letter of recommendation and no more than three additional supporting documents (no more than 10 pages combined) as part of your lesson plan. 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 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: Can you provide any guidance on what type of content you are looking for in the essays or lesson plan?
A: Please see the “Tips for AASTE Applicants” section of this website for helpful suggestions on strengthening your application.

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. Select AASTE recipients' lesson plans can be accessed here.

Q: Is the award open to teachers across the United States and Canada?
A: Applications are accepted from science educators who teach in the states 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 2011 recipients of the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence?
A:  Click here to read more about the 2011 recipients.

Q: When will I know the status of my application?
A: Winners will be notified by June 2011. All other applicants will be notified by mail after winners have been announced.