Time to Recognize Great Teachers
Do you believe that classroom teachers should be rewarded for excellence?
Do you want our best teachers to represent our profession to the public?
Do you know exemplary science teachers in your school or district?
Then nominate a colleague (or yourself) for the...
MnSTA Science Teaching Award
Award for Elementary Science Teaching (2025)
Award for Secondary School Science Teaching (2025)
Each awardee will be recognized as part of the MnSTA Conference in November and will receive a $1,000 grant for use in his/her classroom. Note for 2025: awards will be presented at the national NSTA Conference being held in Minneapolis this year!
The National Science Teaching Association has several teacher awards on the NSTA Awards website
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching*
*The PAEMST is currently on pause due to federal budget cuts. See this article for more information.
Award for elementary mathematics and science teaching (including computer science)
for grades K-6: 2026
Award for secondary mathematics and science teaching (including computer science)
for grades 7-12: 2025
- Two state Awardees (usually one math and one science) receive awardee activities in Washington DC, usually with a White House reception, and a cash award of $10,000. They also receive state recognition and leadership opportunities.
Information, Nominations and Applications are at www.paemst.org
For questions about the Presidential Awards, contact , MDE Science Specialist
For questions about the MnSTA Awards, contact , Awards Coordinator
PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for U.S. K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teachers. The award is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The state finalists are selected by a Minnesota committee and then their applications move on to the national review.
2025 NAGT Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Awardee
2025 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardees
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Presidential Award Minnesota State Science finalists for 2025 |
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Casie Monson Monticello Middle School |
Erin Schmidt, Totino-Grace High School |
Kristine Swartchick, Wayzata Central Middle School |
*The PAEMST is currently on pause due to federal budget cuts. See this article for more information.
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Presidential Award Minnesota State Science finalists for 2024 |
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Krista Wyvell-Fink Rum River Elementary School |
Kelly Gibson Battle Creek Elementary School |
Deanne Trottier Eagle View Elementary School |
Other Award Opportunities:
The National Science Teachers Association has teacher awards at http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards provides nationally recognized certification, including Early Adolescence Science (ages 11-15) and Adolescence and Young Adulthood Science (ages 14-18+). http://www.nbpts.org/national-
Minnesota Awardees |
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2024 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardees Jake Pundsack, Melrose Area High School (Secondary) Deborah Schleuter, Forestview School in Baxter (Elementary) |
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2023 Presidential Award Minnesota State Science Awardee Lainey Bristow - Hiawatha Collegiate High School, Minneapolis |
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2023 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardee (Elementary) Josh Leonard - Belwin Outdoor Science, St. Paul Public Schools
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2023 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardee (Secondary) Debra Las - John Adams Middle School, Rochester Public Schools
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2022 Presidential Award Minnesota State Science Awardee Kimberly Menard - Lake Marion Elementary School, Lakeville
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2022 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardee (Elementary) Barbara Jacobs-Smith of Breck School School |
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2022 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardee (Secondary) Stephanie Harris of Washington County Technology Magnet School |
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2021 Presidential Award Minnesota State Science Awardee Anne Zielske - Harding High School, St Paul |
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2021 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardee (Elementary) Bradley Hubred of Moose Lake Elementary School
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 (Photo credit:Moose Lake School Facebook) |
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2020 Presidential Award in Science Awardee (Elementary) Brian Hare of E-STEM Middle School |
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2020 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardee (Elementary) Tanner Walters of Oak Ridge Elementary School |
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2020 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardee (Secondary) Gwen Isaacson of Maple River High School |
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2019 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardee (Secondary) Laura Unterholzner of Rochester Century High School |
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2019 Presidential Award in Science Recipient (Secondary) Eric Friberg, biology teacher, Henry Sibley High School, Mendota Heights |
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2018 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardees Carrie Ehn, School of Engineering and Arts, Golden Valley Nora Gathje, Chatfield High School, Chatfield |
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2018 Presidential Award in Science Awardee (Elementary) David McGill of Capitol Hill Elementary, St. Paul |
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2017 MnSTA Science Teaching Awardees Kelli Ellickson, Cedar Park Elementary STEM School, Apple Valley Phil Sinner, Renville County West High School, Renville |
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2017 Presidential Award in Science Awardee (Secondary) Stacey Bartlett, Stillwater High School, Stillwater |
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Minnesota science teachers should know about:
