Purpose
The Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Regional STEM Networks, in partnership with the Nevada Department of Education, 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, up to three educators will be recognized as Regional STEM Teacher of the Year and up to three advocates will be recognized as Regional STEM Advocate of the Year. One Regional STEM Teacher of the Year and one Regional STEM Advocate of the Year will be recognized per region: Northwestern (Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, Washoe), Rural (Churchill, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Nye, Mineral, Pershing, White Pine), and Southern (Clark County).
Annually, up to one educator will be recognized as Nevada STEM Teacher of the Year, and up to one advocate will be recognized as 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.
An advocate is defined as a leader who helps to advance STEM in their region and/or state. 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 and a swag bag from OSIT and NDE. 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 their school site or organization.
Apply by February 12, 2024:
Nevada STEM Teacher/Advocate of the Year Application: Teacher-of-the-Yr-Application-FY24
Nevada STEM Teacher/Advocate of the Year Scoring Rubric: Teacher-of-the-Yr-Rubric-FY24