The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council (Iowa STEM) at the Iowa Department of Education is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Kemin Industries. This award honors educators who go above and beyond to bring engaging opportunities into the classroom and inspire student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. There is an abundance of quality STEM jobs in Iowa, and there will only be more to come. It is crucial that these jobs are filled for Iowa’s future and qualified Iowa STEM graduates are the key. Inspiring STEM educators, such as this year’s award recipients, are helping to make this a reality.
The Iowa STEM Teacher Award would not be possible without the support from Kemin Industries. They have been a stalwart partner and advocate for STEM education in Iowa over these many years. Now in its 10th year, the Award is presented annually to one full-time, licensed preK-12 teacher from each of the six STEM regions in Iowa. These honorees are recognized for their dedication to fostering enthusiasm and igniting a passion for STEM that extends beyond the walls of the classroom.
As a recipient of the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, each educator will receive $1,500 to use for their classroom and $1,500 for personal use. The recipients were recognized at smaller celebrations at their schools and were honored in a recognition ceremony during the Iowa Classrooms+Workplaces Summit on April 10, 2024, at the Iowa Events Center Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center.
Congratulations to the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award recipients sponsored by Kemin Industries!
- Kelsey Enslin, instructional technology teacher at CAL Elementary School in Latimer (North Central STEM Region), is an exemplary example of how to collaborate and integrate STEM-related activities, coding and computer science into areas such as literacy, mathematics and social studies.
- Randi Glaser, science teacher at Walnut Creek Campus in West Des Moines (South Central STEM Region), is a shining example of how to develop and implement engaging, hands-on and relevant STEM curriculum.
- Theressa Northouse, technology coach at Marshall Elementary School in Dubuque (Northeast STEM Region), brings tremendous energy to the classroom to keep students engaged while bringing real life opportunities into the classroom leaving students wanting more STEM.
- Stephanie Prussing, educational technology teacher at Denison Elementary School in Denison (Northwest STEM Region), is a true champion for STEM education, working tirelessly to promote computer science and technology instruction through various classes and extracurricular activities.
- Trulla Pullen, STEM education teacher at Clarinda Community Schools in Clarinda (Southwest STEM Region), demonstrates innovative and creative teaching methods to make STEM subjects engaging and accessible to all her students—which has resulted in significant positive impacts.
- Katie Rygh, mathematics teacher at South East Junior High School in Iowa City (Southeast STEM Region), is committed to providing students with high-quality mathematics instruction, as well as real-world experiences to engage her students in mathematics.
Find videos about previous STEM Teacher Award recipients HERE.