The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education has announced the recipients of the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award. Sponsored by Kemin Industries, the award is bestowed upon six educators each year who go above and beyond to inspire student interest and awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
This year’s awardees are:
- Kelsey Enslin, instructional technology teacher at CAL Elementary School in Latimer (North Central STEM Region)
- Randi Glaser, science teacher at Walnut Creek Campus in West Des Moines (South Central STEM Region)
- Theressa Northouse, technology coach at Marshall Elementary School in Dubuque (Northeast STEM Region)
- Stephanie Prussing, educational technology teacher at Denison Elementary School in Denison (Northwest STEM Region)
- Trulla Pullen, STEM teacher at Clarinda Community Schools in Clarinda (Southwest STEM Region)
- Katie Rygh, mathematics teacher at South East Junior High School in Iowa City (Southeast STEM Region)
All awardees were nominated by a colleague, student, parent or community member before completing an application showcasing their work and curriculum.
Now in its 10th year, the award is presented annually to one full-time, licensed preK-12 teacher in each of the six STEM regions in Iowa. Each honoree is recognized for their dedication to fostering an enthusiasm for STEM that extends beyond the walls of the classroom and effectively equips students for high-demand careers in the future.
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. Each teacher was recently recognized with their award and a small celebration at their schools. All six educators will also be honored in a recognition ceremony during the Iowa Classrooms+Workplaces Summit on April 10 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.