Purpose
The Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Regional STEM Networks propose the STEM Teacher of the Year Program to increase awareness of high-quality STEM educators, advocates, and educational experiences in Nevada.
As the State continues to diversify the economy by recruiting STEM industry, Nevada’s education systems are providing high-quality and career-connected STEM learning experiences to students. Nevada’s students are acquiring STEM skills, mindset, interests and identities that will propel them and the State forward. The STEM Teacher of the Year Program will recognize individual leaders’ impact on the State’s STEM education and workforce goals.
Outcomes
Annually, each Regional STEM Network will collect applications for the Nevada STEM Teacher of the Year and Nevada STEM Advocate of the Year awards. Nevada has three Regional STEM Networks: Northwestern (Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, Washoe), Rural (Churchill, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Nye, Mineral, Pershing, White Pine), and Southern (Clark).
One STEM Teacher of the Year and one STEM Advocate of the Year will be selected per region. From these awardees, OSIT will select one Nevada STEM Teacher of the Year and one Nevada STEM Advocate of the Year.
Teacher is defined as a certificated PK-12 teacher currently employed at one of Nevada's public, private, or charter PK-12 schools.
Advocate is defined as a leader who helps to advance STEM in their region and/or state. Advocates work to increase awareness of STEM opportunities and strengthen partnerships within the STEM ecosystem. Advocates might include, but are not limited to, school administrators, non-certificated school staff, volunteers, or employees of informal STEM education organizations.
Incentives
Each Regional STEM Teacher of the Year and each Regional STEM Advocate of the Year will receive a certificate from the Governor along with a digital seal. Regional winners will be recognized at their school site or organization and invited to their designated Regional STEM Network convening to accept their award.
The Nevada STEM Teacher of the Year and the Nevada STEM Advocate of the Year will receive a certificate from the Governor, a digital seal, a swag bag, and a monetary stipend of $500. The winners will be presented with their award at the annual Governor STEM School Designation Ceremony.
Apply by December 13, 2024:
Awardees
2024-2025 Winners:
State STEM Teacher: Michelle Hollis, Pinecrest Academy of Northern Nevada
State STEM Advocate: Hasan Deniz, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
2024-2025 Regional Winners:
Beverly Lousignont, Liberty Peak Elementary School
Cecily Warnke, Advanced Technologies Academy
Incline Education Fund, Incline Village
2023-2024 Winners:
State STEM Teacher: Dana Cuni, Southwest Career Technical Academy
State STEM Advocate: Incline Education Fund
2023-2024 Regional Winners:
Trina Kleinhenz, Incline Elementary School
Vincent Squatrito, Jackpot Combined School
Claire Romzek, Lied STEM Academy