National Science Teaching Association Celebrates Its 2025 Teacher Awards Honorees

Science Educators Nationwide Lauded for Outstanding Achievement

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) salutes the recipients of its 2025 NSTA Awards program, which honors K–12 teachers, principals, professors, and other science education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science education. Awardees will be recognized during a special evening Teacher Awards event happening during the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 28 (with the exception of the student who has received the Angela Award, who will be honored at a private ceremony arranged with the student’s school and faculty).

“Great teaching is more than delivering content: It’s about igniting curiosity and inspiring students to see the world through a scientific lens. These awards reflect these educators’ dedication to making science meaningful and accessible, empowering students to think critically and discover their potential. Their passion and innovative approaches to teaching not only enrich students’ understanding of science, but also encourage them to ask questions and seek answers. Teachers like these awardees are shaping the future by fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Alicia Conerly, NSTA President.

NSTA is proud to announce the following award recipients.

Angela Award

• Lucy Berenson, Seventh-Grade Student, Garrison Union Free School District, Garrison, New York

Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers

• Heath Hines, Environmental Science and Anatomy Teacher, Northwest Area Jr./Sr. High School, Shickshinny, Pennsylvania
• Sophia Jordan, Chemistry Teacher, Otay Ranch High School, Chula Vista, California
• Lucy Krause, Lower School Science Teacher, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Giovanna Ortiz, Fifth-Grade Math and Science Teacher, Orlando Gifted Academy, Orlando, Florida
• Olivia Rayfield, Science Teacher, Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Wilmington, Delaware
• Brad Roost, Science Teacher, Ripon High School, Ripon, Wisconsin
• Camille Tulloss, Biology Teacher, Weston High School, Weston, Massachusetts

Robert E. Yager Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award

• Karen Covil, District XI, Science Department Chair and Teacher, North Star High School, Hoschton, Georgia
• Missie Olson, District IX, Science Teacher, Becker High School, Annandale, Minnesota
• Stephanie Westhafer, District V, First Grade Teacher, West Jackson Elementary School, Lincoln, Nebraska

Shell Science Teaching Award, sponsored by Shell USA, Inc.

• Awardee: Melissa Collins, Elementary Science Teacher, John P. Freeman Elementary School, Memphis, Tennessee
• Finalist: Mary Lynn Hess, Elementary Science Teacher, Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School, Sanford, Florida
• Finalist: Kenneth Huff, Science Teacher, Williamsville Mill Middle School, Williamsville, New York

Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, sponsored by Shell USA, Inc., outfitted by Carolina Biological Supply Company

• Grand-Prize Winner (Elementary School Level): Arianna Martinez Moody, Harvey Brown Elementary School, Houston, Texas
• Grand-Prize Winner (Middle School Level): Cay Kovach, Brownsville Area Middle School, Brownsville, Pennsylvania
• Grand-Prize Winner (High School Level): Kathy Jo Sagwitz, Valley Junior/Senior High School, New Kensington, Pennsylvania

Shell Urban Science Educator Development Award, sponsored by Shell USA, Inc.

• Wahab Ashraf, Science Teacher, Science Park High School, Newark, New Jersey
• Aja Brown, Science Teacher, The Metropolitan Soundview High School, Bronx, New York
• Michael Angelo De La Cruz, Science Teacher, Smoketree Elementary School, Lake Havasu, Arizona
• Sadereka Evans, Science Teacher, Hampton High School, Hampton, Georgia
• Linh Ho, Science Teacher, South Junior High School, Anaheim, California
• Robbie C. Keuchler Jr., Science Teacher, Northwood Academy Charter School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Jeromy Payne, Science Teacher, John P. Freeman Optional School, Memphis, Tennessee

Sylvia Shugrue Award for Elementary School Teachers

• Margie Suder, STEAM Teacher, East Fairmont Middle School, Fairmont, West Virginia

NSTA encourages science educators to apply for its 2026 Teacher Awards. Visit https://www.nsta.org/awards-and-recognition-program for information.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit www.nsta.org, or follow NSTA on X, formerly known as Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; and LinkedIn.