Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award
DES MOINES, IOWA – The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education is partnering with Kemin Industries for the 10th year of the Iowa STEM Teacher Award. Nominations opened Aug. 20 and will be accepted through Oct. 10.
The Iowa STEM Teacher Award recognizes one full-time, licensed PreK-12 teacher from each of the state’s six STEM regions whose passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) motivates their students to develop a lifelong interest in STEM fields—both in and out of the classroom. The six selected recipients will each receive an award of $1,500 for their classrooms and $1,500 for personal use.
“The STEM Educator Award helps celebrate our dedicated teachers as they create engaging learning experiences for students and illuminate in-demand STEM career opportunities,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “We look forward to your nominations of incredible STEM educators across Iowa.”
“Iowa's STEM teachers are instrumental in guiding future generations towards rewarding careers in the state,” said Jeff Weld with the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education. “We are grateful for all our educators and the role they play in building a strong Iowa economy. The STEM Council is thrilled to partner with Kemin Industries to honor six deserving teachers each year.”
Any individual can nominate a teacher by completing the nomination form by Tuesday, October 10, at 11:59 p.m. Following nominations, eligible educators will fill out an application for review by a panel of judges. The award recipients will be announced in early 2024.
“We are delighted to acknowledge the exceptional impact that educators have had on our employees' journeys into STEM fields and their subsequent careers at Kemin," said Chris Nelson, Kemin Industries' president and CEO. "By fostering curiosity and inspiring young minds, these educators are molding a skilled workforce that will be well-equipped for their future roles. We extend our gratitude for their invaluable role in shaping the problem-solvers of tomorrow, and we take pride in honoring their remarkable contributions."
Visit the Governor's STEM Advisory Council's website for more information.
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About the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education
Established in July 2011 via Governor’s Executive Order, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa’s educational system focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The STEM Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain our state’s historic leadership position in education and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The 50-member STEM Council is co-chaired by Governor Kim Reynolds and Foundation Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director of Technical Services Diane Young.
Effective July 1, 2023, the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council became part of the Iowa Department of Education. This change was part of a broader state government realignment to bring together entities working with similar subject matter. Iowans can expect the same quality services they have come to expect while benefiting from strengthened connections and coordination between programs that support college and career readiness. Visit the Governor's STEM Advisory Council's website for more information.
About Kemin Industries
Kemin Industries 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, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 3,000 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.