Nomination Closed

STEM Teacher Award Nomination

Nomination form for the 2024 STEM Teacher Award is closed. Check back in August 2024 for the opportunity to nominate a teacher for the 2025 STEM Teacher Award.

Each year, administrators, teachers, counselors, parents, students and other STEM advocates are invited to nominate an inspirational science, technology, engineering or mathematics teacher for the Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Kemin Industries and Iowa STEM.

This award honors teachers who make a significant difference in the lives of students across the state by providing excellent curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning and inspiring a passion for STEM beyond the classroom and into the future. We are looking for educators who represent Iowa, defined as:

  • Innovative: Use unique ways to educate students to develop a curiosity in STEM fields.
  • Outstanding: Have a true passion for education and provide an exceptional learning experience.
  • Worldly: Help students see that STEM is all around us and is more than the sum of its parts.
  • Academic: Engage students in the classroom, preparing them for higher education and high-demand careers.

One teacher from each of the six STEM regions is selected for their contributions and dedication to STEM education in Iowa. Each recipient receives $1,500 for personal use, as well as another $1,500 to be used in their classroom.

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Eligibility

  • Eligible nominees include licensed, full-time, PreK-12 Iowa STEM teachers in public or non-public schools. 
  • For this award, a full-time teacher is defined as an educator who spends at least 75% of their working hours (approximately 30 hours, minimum) in the classroom - both virtually and in person - interacting with students.
  • Nominations for previous award recipients and self nominations are not be accepted.
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Process Overview

  1. Administrators, teachers, counselors, parents, students and other STEM advocates are encouraged to submit a nomination for an outstanding STEM teacher. 
  2. Nominated educators are notified and sent an application to complete.
  3. A team of impartial Iowa reviewers select a STEM Teacher Award recipient for each of the six STEM regions based on a detailed rubric. The reviewers do not evaluate the application of any teacher to whom they have a connection or conflict of interest. The decisions of the panel are final and cannot be amended, unless under investigation by the Iowa Department of Education or for legal matters. References may be contacted at the discretion of the reviewer panel, References are not factored into the scoring assessment outlined on the rubric and are treated as an amendment as necessary.
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Important Dates

Nominations Open - Aug. 20, 2023

Nominations Close - Oct. 10, 2023

Teacher Applications Open - Oct. 11, 2023

Teacher Applications Close - Nov. 14, 2023

School Ceremonies for Award Recipients - February-March 2024 recipients

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Frequently Asked Questions

When can I nominate a STEM teacher for this award?

The nomination period is open from August 20 - October 10, 2023. See the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Nomination Information & Questions for a copy of the nomination form. Actual nominations can only be submitted through the online portal.

Where can I find the STEM Teacher Award rubric?

The 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Scoring Guidelines are used by evaluators to assess completed nomination and application forms for each teacher.

Can I nominate more than one teacher for this award?

Yes. In fact, we encourage the nomination of any deserving Iowa teacher for this award.

I was nominated and applied for the Teacher Award in the past. Can I receive a copy of my past application(s)?

Yes. Contact Carrie Rankin at rankin@iowastem.org for a copy of Iowa STEM Teacher Award application(s) that have been submitted in the past. See a list of teachers who have previously received the Iowa STEM Teacher Award. (Previous awardees are not eligible.)

If I have more questions, who should I contact?

For questions about the award or the nomination and application process, contact Carrie Rankin at rankin@iowastem.org.

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Award Sponsor

The Iowa STEM Teacher Award is proudly sponsored by Kemin Industries. Kemin is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuels and animal vaccine industries.

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products.

Established in 1961 in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.A., Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.

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