2023 STEM Excellence Awards

The TSIN STEM Excellence Awards

Tennessee’s recent successes in STEM are due to the combined efforts of strong teachers in the classroom, innovative school and district/regional leaders, and advocates that place STEM on the top of their priority lists. The STEM Excellence Awards are designed to recognize a phenomenal teacher, a leader of a school, district, or regional/state organization, and an exceptional advocate for STEM education. 


Applications for the 2023 STEM Excellence Awards are CLOSED. 
The deadline to submit an application was March 24, 2023. 

Visit our Summit page to watch the Awards dinner and see the announcement of the winners. 

The STEM Excellence Awards are designed to:

Promote effective teaching strategies by recognizing and rewarding quality STEM teachers.

Highlight effective advocacy partnerships at the local and state levels.

Share strategies for creating an innovative STEM culture within a school building/district/region.
Excellence in STEM Teaching Award
Excellence in innovation in the field of STEM education teaching

The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network seeks to highlight excellence in innovation in the field of STEM education through the Excellence in STEM Teaching Award. Awardees will be recognized at the 2024 TN STEM Innovation Summit May 9-10. You may use this form to self-nominate or nominate a STEM teacher who has inspired you. 

Eligibility: 
The applicant must be a Tennessee educator. We are seeking teachers who demonstrate STEM infused teaching strategies, classroom innovation, and positive student learning outcomes. 

Award Submission Requirements: 
• Narrative responses to Section 2 questions highlighting STEM teaching practices and achievements 

Optional Submission Documentation: 
• Evidence of STEM learning through student products/artifacts/video 
• One letter of support from supervisor or colleague 
• An exemplar lesson plan or unit plan exhibiting strong STEM teaching practices 
• A letter of recommendation from a current or past student

Applications are CLOSED.
       Excellence in STEM Leadership Award
Excellence in innovation in the field of STEM education leadership

The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network seeks to highlight excellence in innovation in the field of STEM education through the Excellence in STEM Leadership Award. Awardees will be recognized at the 2024 TN STEM Innovation Summit May 9-10. You may use this form to self-nominate or nominate an educational leader who has inspired you. 

Eligibility: 
The applicant must be a Tennessee school level or district level leader with a proven track-record of incorporating STEM into their school culture or developing STEM programs at the school or district level. We are seeking leaders who support and encourage teachers/schools to infuse STEM teaching strategies, classroom innovation, and positive student learning outcomes. 

Award Submission Requirements: 
• Narrative responses to section 2 questions highlighting STEM leadership practices and achievements 

Optional Submission Documentation: 
• Evidence of STEM learning through student products/artifacts/video 
• One letter of support from a teacher or colleague at your school 
• A letter of recommendation from a current or past student 
• Additional examples of supporting STEM initiatives at the school or district level
Applications are CLOSED.
Excellence in STEM Advocacy Award
Excellence in advocacy for the field of STEM education
 
The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network seeks to highlight excellence in advocacy for the field of STEM education. This award will be presented to any local, regional, or state educational leader (including industry partners and state level policy makers) that through their dedication and leadership efforts have positively impacted STEM education in Tennessee. Awardees will be recognized at the 2024 TN STEM Innovation Summit, May 9-10. You may use this form to self-nominate or nominate an educational leader who has inspired you. 

Eligibility: 
The applicant must be a Tennessee resident with experience advocating for STEM education through their leadership, community partnerships, and/or grassroots initiatives. We are seeking leaders who demonstrate a passion for the advancement of STEM education in Tennessee that leads to positive student learning outcomes. 

Award Submission Requirements: 
• Narrative responses to Section 2 questions highlighting STEM awareness or advocacy achievements 

Optional Submission Documentation: 
• Evidence of enhancing STEM learning through student products/artifacts related to the applicant’s advocacy efforts (pictures, student created artifacts/videos) 
• One letter of support from a local area school or board of education
Applications are CLOSED.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are nominations open?

Nominations for the 2023 STEM Excellence Awards are now open.

Where and when is the ceremony held?

Awards are given at the TN STEM Innovation Summit. 2023 Excellence Awards announcements will be made May 16, 2023.

Who can I nominate?

You may nominate a colleague or yourself.

How do I nominate someone?

Select the 'Learn More' button above and fill out the application for the award you are interested in. When finished, submit the completed application. 
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