2024 STEM Teacher Award Recipients

Northwest STEM Region: Stephanie Prussing

Stephanie Prussing, Educational Technology Instructor at Denson Elementary School in Denison is a true champion for STEM education, working tirelessly to promote computer science and technology instruction through her Specials classes, including Engineering Cohort, Computer Science Week, Tech Club and others. Her dedication goes far beyond her role as an educator. Mrs. Prussing also participated in the Computer Science is Elementary Mentorship Program where she became a resource for schools in Iowa who were looking for ideas on how to implement computer science lessons in their own school.

North Central STEM Region: Kelsey Enslin

Kelsey Enslin, Instructional Technology Teacher at CAL Elementary School in Latimer, is a true leader for STEM education at CAL Elementary. Her dedication goes far beyond her role as a teacher. She is an exemplary example of how to collaborate and integrate STEM into areas such as literacy, mathematics and social studies. One example of Ms. Enslin’s dedication to STEM is that she introduces coding and robotics to her school’s youngest students, their 3 year-old preschoolers.  Through her determination and perseverance, she is making sure that when students leave the CAL Elementary school they will have had nine years of experience with coding, computer science and STEM-related activities. 

Northeast STEM Region: Theressa Northouse

Theressa Northouse, Technology Coach at Marshall Elementary School in Dubuque, brings tremendous energy to the classroom to keep students engaged and wanting more STEM. She has established several STEM clubs at her school, including a Coding Club, a Girls Who Code Club and a Robotics Club. Her work in the teaching of computer science is done with equity in mind, because she believes in the importance of students being able to see themselves in jobs that involve STEM. She has collaborated with companies such as John Deere and The National Investors Hall of Fame to bring real life opportunities into the classroom.

Southwest STEM Region: Trulla Pullen

Trulla Pullen, STEM Teacher for grades PreK-6 at Clarinda Community Schools in Clarinda, demonstrates innovative and creative teaching methods to make STEM subjects engaging and accessible to all her students—which has resulted in significant positive impacts. She is collaborative with all stakeholders and recently coordinated the first STEM Career Day for 2nd and 5th grade students last year. She garnered the support of local employees in the STEM fields that led STEM exploration centers for the students. It was a day that her students will remember, and one that will be continued and strengthened this school year.

South Central STEM Region: Randi Glaser

Randi Glaser,  Science Teacher at Walnut Creek Campus in West Des Moines, is a shining example of how to develop and implement engaging, hands-on and relevant curriculum. Her ability to make connections to the world around us is truly remarkable as she crafts engaging content that resonates with her students and collaborates with local organizations to expose her students to a wide range of experiences. Her impact extends far beyond her own classroom. As a demonstration teacher for West Des Moines Community Schools, she selflessly shares her teaching methods districtwide. Her commitment to spreading her knowledge ensures that more students have access to quality STEM education.

Southeast STEM Region: Katie Rygh

Katie Rygh, Mathematics Teacher at South East Junior High in Iowa City, is committed to providing students with high-quality mathematics instruction, as well as real-world experiences to engage her students in mathematics. She consistently innovates her instructional practices through continuous professional development. She draws on various STEM experiences to make mathematics interesting and relevant. She provides her students with the opportunity to see and hear first hand from various community leaders in STEM-related professions.