Every great STEM journey starts with a spark, and a teacher often ignites that spark. That is why it is with immense pride and excitement that we announce the winners of the 2024 Siegfried Excellence in STEM Education Awards. This moment celebrates the incredible dedication and impact of Oklahoma’s finest educators—individuals who are not just teaching science, technology, engineering, and math but are truly transforming the landscape of STEM education.
Our teachers are more than educators; they are visionaries who craft environments where students feel seen, valued, and inspired. They create spaces of belonging that ignite curiosity and build confidence, ensuring that each student can picture themselves in the world of STEM. Through their passion and commitment, these educators lay the foundation for a future filled with innovation and problem-solving.
The Siegfried Excellence in STEM Education Awards honor teachers who exemplify these qualities. These teachers integrate advanced STEM concepts into their lessons, make learning engaging and inclusive, and inspire their students to reach new heights. Their work goes beyond the classroom, profoundly impacting their students’ lives and paving the path for future STEM leaders.
This year, we had the privilege of reviewing dozens of exceptional applications from educators across the state. After careful consideration, we are proud to honor four outstanding individuals who have demonstrated remarkable innovation, commitment, and impact in their roles.
Here’s a look at our incredible finalists
Elementary School Finalist: Ashley Henry – Catalayah Elementary and Westside Elementary, Claremore Public Schools
With just two years of teaching under her belt, Ashley Henry has already made a remarkable impact. As a 3rd and 5th-grade teacher and after-school STEM club leader, Ashley’s transition to Innovation Lab (STEM) teacher allowed her to extend her dynamic, tech-driven approach across two Claremore elementary schools. Her dedication to integrating aviation and space concepts into her lessons and her innovative projects, like the solar eclipse event, truly stand out.
Middle School Finalist: Lisa Wada – Central Middle School, Tulsa Public Schools
Lisa Wada has dedicated nine years to nurturing STEM curiosity in her 6th and 7th-grade science students. Her hands-on, inclusive approach, particularly for students with disabilities, and her real-world applications, like creating bird-friendly habitats, showcase her commitment to a comprehensive STEM education. Lisa’s efforts to bring diverse STEM professionals into her classroom and her active pursuit of grants highlight her dedication to providing a rich and engaging STEM experience.
High School Finalist: Elaine Hutchison – Okeene Jr/Sr High School, Okeene Public Schools
Elaine Hutchison’s 31 years of experience in STEM education have left an indelible mark. From her previous roles teaching math and serving as an AP Calculus professor to now developing a 7-12th grade STEM program at Okeene Jr/Sr High School, Elaine’s innovative use of technology and hands-on projects, including 3D printers and drones, exemplifies her commitment to advanced STEM education. Her community initiatives and previous accolades, such as the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, underscore her profound influence.
Leadership Finalist: Doris Biegler – Lawton Public Schools
As the Technology Trainer and MakerSpace Coordinator for Lawton Public Schools, Doris Biegler has been pivotal in advancing STEM education. Her work as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA and her recognition as NASA Oklahoma Aerospace Educator of the Year in 2019 reflect her significant contributions. Doris’s creation of successful Makerspace programs and her leadership in incorporating adaptive technologies ensure that STEM opportunities are accessible and engaging for all educators and students.
Over the past week, we had the honor of surprising some incredible educators in their classrooms and at their school-wide assemblies with exciting news:
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Celebrate with Us
We can’t wait to honor these outstanding educators at our Flight Night gala on Thursday, September 12, at the Tulsa Technology Center’s Riverside Campus. Each winner will receive $5,000, including a $4,000 grant for their classroom or professional development and a $1,000 personal award. Plus, one of these exceptional finalists will be named the Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year and will receive an additional $5,000 award.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists – your dedication truly makes a difference in our students’ lives!
For more information about our awards, visit TulsaSTEM.org/Awards.