News Categories


Science Topics




Education Topics


NSTA WebNews Digest

NSTA Reports

Apply for NSTA's 2010 Teacher Awards


10/9/2009 - NSTA Reports—Amanda Upton

Learning may be its own reward, but NSTA thinks exemplary educators deserve recognition, too. Garner that recognition—and perhaps a monetary award—by applying for one of 19 annual awards from NSTA and its sponsors. Teachers (preK–college) and administrators (middle level and high school) can win cash, trips, workshops, computers, science program materials, and more. Submit an application yourself, or nominate an outstanding colleague whose efforts make a difference.

An Array of Opportunities

The newest NSTA Teacher Award spotlights work in an expanding field: biotechnology. The BioRad Biotechnology Explorer Award recognizes one high school (grades 9–12) teacher for excellence and innovation in biotechnology education. Science teachers must demonstrate their use of hands-on biotechnology activities in their classroom and their skills in teaching various ability levels of students, including those who may be underrepresented in science, at risk, or have differing abilities. Eligible applicants must have taught biotechnology for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 15 years. Three letters of recommendation must accompany the applications.

The Biotechnology Explorer Award winner will receive up to $750 to cover travel expenses to the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Philadelphia, $250 in cash, and a $500 certificate for Bio-Rad products.

NSTA 2010 Teacher Awards include

  • Bio-Rad Biotechnology Explorer Award
  • Ciba Foundation Exemplary Middle Level and High School Principal Awards;
  • Ciba Foundation Exemplary Middle Level and High School Science Teaching Awards;
  • DCAT “Making a Difference” Award;
  • Delta Education/Frey-Neo/CPO Science Education Awards for Inquiry-based Science Teaching;
  • Distinguished Informal Science Education Award;
  • Distinguished Service to Science Education Awards;
  • Distinguished Teaching Awards;
  • Faraday Science Communicator Award;
  • Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers;
  • NSTA Fellow Award;
  • NSTA Legacy Award;
  • Robert H. Carleton Award for National Leadership in the Field of Science Education;
  • SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Environmental Educator of the Year;
  • Shell Science Teaching Award;
  • Sylvia Shugrue Award for Elementary School Teachers;
  • Vernier Technology Awards;
  • Wendell G. Mohling Outstanding Aerospace Educator Award; and
  • Zula International–NSTA Early Science Educator Award.

Application Deadlines

Applications for the Shell Science Teaching Award are due on October 15, 2009. All other NSTA 2009 Teacher Awards applications must be received by November 30, 2009. For more information about all awards and to download or print application forms, go to www.nsta.org/awards.
All