Celebrate STEM Excellence: TechPoint Youth Teacher of the Year Awards!

Honoring Indiana's STEM Educators Who Inspire the Future

Indiana is home to exceptional educators who dedicate their time, talent, and passion to shaping the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y), we are proud to launch the Indiana Teacher of the Year Awards to recognize and celebrate these outstanding teachers who are making a lasting impact in their classrooms and communities.

About the Award

The Indiana Teacher of the Year Awards honors educators who:

  • Implement creative and impactful STEM programs.

  • Foster opportunities for underrepresented students, including females, students of color, and low-income families.

  • Serve as role models, mentors, and advocates for STEM education.

These awards highlight the dedication of teachers who are committed to empowering all students to thrive in a 21st-century world.

2024 Winner and Runner Up

Winner - Lisa Haines from Smith Elementary

Runner Up - Rosa Snapp from East Washington Middle School

Why Nominate a Teacher?

This award celebrates educators who:

  • Empower students to explore and excel in STEM.

  • Implement innovative teaching practices both in and outside the classroom.

  • Champion opportunities for students from priority populations, including females, students of color, and low-income families.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Location: Nominee must be an Indiana educator.

  • Participation: Teacher must have participated in a TechPoint Foundation for Youth program (e.g., Hour of Code, STEM Mentors, Robotics, VEX GO, Financial Literacy) within the past three years. (Not sure? Reach out to us or check our program list.)

  • Mission Alignment: The nominee’s school or district must have a mission focused on serving priority populations.

  • Focus on STEM: The educator must demonstrate a commitment to STEM concepts or 21st-century skills in their work.

  • Recommendations: Submit at least two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the teacher’s impact (students, colleagues, administrators, parents, etc.).

Questions?

We’re here to help! If you have questions at any point during the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to jamie@techpointyouth.org.

Let’s celebrate the educators who are shaping the future of STEM! Nominate a teacher today and join us in recognizing their incredible contributions to our community.

Applications will open in spring 2025.

Check out our blog for our 2024 Teacher of the Year award winner - LINK