Northwest STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Recipient: Alan Bandstra
Bandstra, a sixth-grade math and science teacher at Sioux Center Christian School is in his 37th year of teaching. Bandstra was nominated by a parent of one of his students, who noted his hands-on approach to teaching STEM has made it an outstanding year for his daughter and her classmates. Growing up on a family farm where learning, work and play often merged, he brings that background and mentality into his STEM program design.
North Central STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Recipient: Anna Brooks
Brooks, an agriculture teacher at Ames Community School District, is in her eighth year of teaching. Nominated for the award by two colleagues, one shared that she exemplifies excellence in STEM education by blending innovation, collaboration and student-centered learning. She tailors instruction to meet student needs while maintaining rigorous standards, with urban agriculture at the heart of her curriculum.
Northeast STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Recipient: Dylan Shaffer
Shaffer, a science and intro to STEM teacher at Monticello Community School District, is in his eighth year of teaching. Shaffer’s extraordinary passion for STEM and ability to build strong relationships with his students ignites inspiration and enthusiasm in the classroom. He provides students with experiences in science and technology that are memorable, challenging and unique.
Southwest STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Recipient: Justin Heckman
Heckman, physics teacher and robotics coach at Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, is in his 25th year of teaching. Heckman is described as an exceptional STEM educator who models lifelong learning through curiosity, grit and authentic passion, and his creativity and energy makes STEM come alive. His approach to inspiring students in STEM is to make physics accessible at all levels and create an engaging classroom environment.
South Central STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Recipient: Jared Almandinger
Almandinger, medical and bioscience research instructor, STEM Camp Director and STEM Club Advisor, at Waukee Community School District, is in his fifth year of teaching. When it comes to teaching, his goal is ensuring students recognize STEM’s universal relevance and understand STEM’s presence across all fields. From going above and beyond to provide support and advice to creating an engaging and collaborative environment, he makes research feel exciting.
Southeast STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Recipient: Pamela Joslyn
Joslyn, a STEM educator at Muscatine Community School District, is in her 24th year of teaching. She collaborates with STEM stakeholders to enrich student learning by providing out-of-classroom experiences that transform student engagement, build confidence and develop cultural awareness. Beyond creating dynamic learning environments in the classroom, she is dedicated to advancing the field of STEM serving as a DoD STEM Ambassador representing the Office of Naval Research.