Recipients Announced for 2015 STEM Education Award

Six Iowa teachers received the 2015 STEM Education Award for Inspired Teaching sponsored by Kemin Industries. The highly-competitive award brought in more than 150 applications from across the state. These six K-12 teachers, one from each Iowa STEM region, have demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to inspiring students to explore the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Iowa:
•    Kacia Cain, Des Moines Central Campus (South Central STEM Region)
•    Lisa Chizek, North Tama Elementary (Northeast STEM Region)
•    Jason Franzenburg, Davenport West High School (Southeast STEM Region)
•    Allison Gregg, Sidney Elementary School (Southwest STEM Region)
•    Shelly Vanyo, Boone High School (North Central STEM Region)
•    Mike Wedge, Sibley-Ocheyedan High School (Northwest STEM Region)

After being nominated for the award by a colleague, school administration, parent, student or community member, each nominee completed an application showcasing their contributions toward STEM education. The awardees were selected by a panel of judges based on that application. Each winner will receive $1,500 for personal use and another $1,500 for their classroom. A formal award ceremony and special panel session featuring the award recipients will take place at the 2015 Statewide STEM Summit on March 30. To learn more about the award, please visit: stemaward.fluidreview.com or register for the Summit at iowastem.gov/2015Summit.

Congratulations to the winners and a special thank you to all the nominees! Thank you for being outstanding STEM educators and bettering the lives of students across the state.