Announcing the 2025–2026 STEM Educator of the Year: Vona Cardwell, Claremore Public Schools. Learn more →
Recognizing Trailblazers in STEM Education
The Siegfried Excellence in STEM Education Awards recognize Oklahoma’s most dedicated and inspirational teachers who exemplify integrated, STEM-infused teaching strategies and classroom innovation and whose work has led to positive student learning outcomes. The awardees are leaders who identify, support and promote innovative practices that address significant challenges in expanding access to quality STEM education.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, more than $30,000 in prizes is available yearly.
Eligibility
Applicants from any STEM-related subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) or leadership position are eligible, regardless of whether ‘STEM’ is included in their title. All applicants must be Oklahoma-based educators with at least two years of experience.
- School-Based Educators & Administrators: Must be actively employed by an established school or district in Oklahoma.
- NEW – Informal Educators: Must work in an out-of-school-time setting, such as a nonprofit, providing STEM learning experiences for K-12 students.
Previous award recipients are not eligible for consideration for five years after receiving the award.
Categories
The Siegfried Excellence in STEM Education Awards recognizes an educator from each major grade band and a school leader or administrator:
- Elementary Educator: Grades PreK-5
- Middle School Educator: Grades 6-8
- High School Educator: Grades 9-12
- Leadership Award: school administrators and district leaders
Informal Educator Award: Out-of-school-time educators delivering STEM experiences in nonprofit or similar settings
Additionally, one of these finalists will be selected as the overall “Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year” and will receive an additional award.
Award & Recognition
Each finalist is expected to attend two TRSA events to celebrate their achievements: STEM in Motion on September 4 and the Flight Night gala on September 18, where the overall winner will be announced. Please plan to participate in both events as part of this recognition. Substitution reimbursement and other accommodations can be made if needed to support your attendance.
Each finalist will receive:
Two complimentary tickets to Flight Night
on September 18, 2025
$4,000 grant
to empower continued innovation in their classroom, community, or professional development
$1,000 cash prize
to celebrate their dedication and commitment
Personalized plaque
commemorating their outstanding achievement
The overall Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year will be further recognized for their exceptional contributions with an additional $4,000 grant, bringing their total STEM education funding to $8,000. They will also receive an additional $1,000 cash prize, for a total personal reward of $2,000, as a testament to their dedication and achievement.
Finalists & Honorees
Overall STEM Educator of the Year
Vona Cardwell – Claremore Public Schools
Elementary School Award
Category Winner
Vona Cardwell – Claremore Public Schools
Honorable Mentions
- Chrystal Reis — Choctaw Nicoma Park Schools
- Rachel Welch — Glenpool Public Schools
- Tammy Will — Morrison Public Schools
Middle School Award
Category Winner
De’Ira Taylor – Tulsa Public Schools
Honorable Mentions
- Leah Dollar — Stillwater Public Schools
- Jacey Duncan — Oklahoma Union Public Schools
- Adilet Nasirov — Dove Science Academy
High School Award
Category Winner
Gary Knowles – Mustang Public Schools
Honorable Mentions
- Andrew Darrow — Broken Arrow Public Schools
- Ramona Rogers — Tulsa Public Schools
- Jessica Sprague — Sand Springs Public Schools
Leadership Award
Category Winner
MacKensie Mathison – Union Public Schools
Honorable Mentions
- Jason Arant — Oklahoma School of Innovation & Experiential Learning (OSIEL)
- Samantha Dunne — Tulsa Public Schools
- Gina Wilson — Tulsa Public Schools
Out-of-School Time Award
Category Winner
Dr. Darron Lamkin – Union Public Schools
Honorable Mentions
- Jasmine Guy — Urban Coders Guild
- Jericho Hobson — Northeastern State University
- Kim Watson — Tulsa County Parks
STEM Teacher of the Year & High School Award Winner
Elaine Hutchison – Okeene Public Schools
Elementary School Award Winner
Ashley Henry – Claremore Public Schools
Middle School Award Winner
Lisa Wada – Tulsa Public Schools
Leadership Award Winner
Doris Biegler – Lawton Public Schools
STEM Teacher of the Year & High School Award Winner
Reese Hundley – Broken Arrow Public Schools
Elementary School Award Winner
Heather Ross – Union Public Schools
Middle School Award Winner
Amy Bracher – Tulsa Public Schools
Leadership Award Winner
Debra Worley – Choctaw-Nicoma Park School District
STEM Teacher of the Year & Elementary School Award Winner
Barbie Jackson – Sand Springs Public Schools
Middle School Award Winner
Michelle Rahn – Claremore Public Schools
High School Award Winner
Amy Moore – Tulsa Public Schools
Leadership Award Winner
Andrea Sagely – Muskogee Public Schools
STEM Teacher of the Year & Elementary School Award Winner
Lisa Pitts – Oakdale Public Schools
Middle School Award Winner
Diana Fiddler – Caney Valley Public Schools
High School Award Winner
Crystal Jackson – Olive Public Schools
Leadership Award Winner
Tammy Parks – Howe Public Schools