Six educators receive 2025 Iowa stem teacher awards

The Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council have recognized six teachers as recipients of the 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Award. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol, with each awardee representing one of Iowa’s six STEM regions.

Governor Reynolds said, "The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council exists to increase student interest and achievement in STEM and inspire Iowa’s next generation of innovators. This work wouldn’t be possible without amazing STEM teachers who help ensure our students are equipped for the careers waiting for them across our state. I commend each of our 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Award recipients and it was a pleasure to present these awards during the STEM Day at the Capitol event."

The award honors teachers for their dedication to STEM education in Iowa, inspiring students in science, technology, engineering, and math. McKenzie Snow, Director of the Iowa Department of Education, remarked, "Iowa’s 2025 STEM Teacher awardees represent excellence in STEM instruction and experiential learning, spanning mathematics, science, computer science, agriculture and more. These dedicated teachers create engaging learning experiences for students and illuminate in-demand STEM career opportunities."

This year marks a change in sponsorship for the award as Google takes over from Kemin Industries. Dan Harbeke from Google commented on their involvement: "At Google, we see the importance of having a strong foundation in STEM education every day. We are thrilled to partner with Iowa STEM moving forward to sponsor the Iowa STEM Teacher Award and honor these extraordinary educators who are on the front lines of developing our future leaders and innovators every day."

Nominations were submitted by various stakeholders across the state. The chosen teachers include Alex Spooner from Okoboji Middle School; Tara Gray from Marshalltown High School; Dan Kuchera from Clarksville High School; Dustan Kern from Lewis Central Middle School; Maddie Kampf from Irving Elementary; and Chuck Tonelli from Metro Alternative High School.

Justin Lewis of the Iowa STEM Council expressed gratitude towards educators: "The STEM Council is proud to honor impactful Iowa teachers through this award. We are grateful for all our educators and the role they play in inspiring and supporting students as they explore in-demand STEM fields."

Each recipient receives a monetary gift for their classroom use and personal use.

Information from this article can be found here.