DES MOINES – Earlier this week, the Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council, in conjunction with Kemin Industries, highlighted the STEM Education Award for Inspired Teaching at the lieutenant governor’s weekly press conference.
“The Council is fully committed to increasing interest and achievement in STEM education and actively engaging businesses to support this work,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. “This is a wonderful example of how business and industry partnerships can develop STEM opportunities for our students, as well as recognize the great instruction their educators are providing.”
“Business and industry increasingly are stepping up to work with schools in ways that make a real difference,” said Mary Andringa, co-chair of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and Vermeer CEO. “I’m confident that the STEM Education Award for Inspired Teaching sponsored by Kemin will encourage more companies to look at how they can help prepare students to succeed in science, technology, engineering and math. That partnership is crucial in a fast-changing, global economy.”
“Iowa’s educators hold the key to the future of STEM through their work with our next generation of innovators,” said Jeff Weld, Ph.D., executive director of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. “It is vital that we do all we can to support them, including recognizing a job well done. Kemin has developed a generous award program enabling us to honor great teaching that impacts so many young minds.”
The award will honor one K-12 educator from each of the six STEM regions across the state of Iowa for their work inspiring and encourage students to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The six teachers selected will receive an award of $1,500, with an additional $1,500 designated for classroom use.
“We’re proud to support STEM educators for all they do to engage young minds and increase awareness of the numerous opportunities available in STEM fields,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, Kemin president and CEO. “Science, technology, engineering and math are integral to our business, and we appreciate teachers’ efforts to demonstrate to students the enormous impact they can have in these careers, not only on their lives but the lives of others.”
Nominations are due December 12, 2014 and can be completed online. Anyone is eligible to submit an educator through the simple nomination form. Once nominated, educators will fill out an application to be assessed by a panel of judges who will select the six winners. Winners will be announced in March 2015.
For more information or to nominate an educator, visit stemaward.fluidreview.com.
