Edyth May Sliffe Awards

The Edyth May Sliffe Awards for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching in Middle School and High School are given annually to middle and high school mathematics teachers who have done outstanding work to motivate students in mathematics by participating in one of the MAA American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) competitions.

What is the award? More than 20 competition managers receive recognition from the MAA AMC program and a $500 stipend, including recognition on the MAA website and social media. Award recipients will also receive free registration, housing, and travel expenses to MAA MathFest in 2024. This is an annual conference for mathematics education and research that draws mathematicians and math enthusiasts from across the country.

Who is eligible for nomination? Middle or high school teachers who play a crucial role in preparing students to participate in the MAA American Mathematics Competitions. Administrators or instructors who are not teachers at a public or private school are not eligible; in particular, principals, superintendents, headmasters, college professors, Math Circle directors, and summer camp directors who are not primarily middle or high school teachers are not eligible.

Additionally, teachers who won the Sliffe Award previously are eligible if three years have passed since winning their awards. There must be a three-year gap between award cycles. 

Who can submit a nomination? At least two individuals must nominate a teacher. The nominators may be:

• A student, parent, fellow teacher, associate, school volunteer, or school administrator. (If two people co-sign this type of nomination, it counts as two nominations).

• Teachers can nominate themselves if someone else submits an additional nomination on their behalf. A self-nomination with a co-signer only counts as one nomination.

What criteria is the committee looking for? It is important to share the teacher's effect on students’ interest and participation in mathematics through preparation for the MAA American Mathematics Competitions. Providing examples of additional evidence can strengthen a nomination letter, such as:

• Improvement in AMC scores from past years;

• An increase in the number of students participating in the AMC 8 or AMC 10/12 competitions;

• An increase in the number of students who have gone on to participate in invitational competitions, such as AIME and USAMO;

• Efforts to encourage students to pursue mathematical training outside the classroom through math clubs, coaching students, providing extra mathematical training materials, etc.

How can I submit a nomination?

Please fill out the nomination form by September 30, 2023: 2023 Sliffe Award Nomination Form

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022-2023 EDYTH MAY SLIFFE AWARD WINNERS

The full list of past Edyth May Sliffe winners can be accessed here.