MCLEAN, Va.—May 20, 2025—The National Science Teaching Association today announced the teachers who were honored with the annual Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award. The awardees (listed below) were formally recognized for their achievement during an award ceremony at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Philadelphia in March.

Shell Urban Science Educators Development Awardees

• 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

Created for K–12 classroom science teachers in urban settings, the Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award is designed to help strengthen quality science teaching and enhance teacher content knowledge. 

“This award recognizes the experience, knowledge, and stellar science teaching of these seven educators,” said NSTA President Alicia Conerly, Ed.D. “These teachers are not only dedicated to engaging their students in real-world, hands-on science and making science relatable, but also to mentoring their colleagues and raising the visibility of science education in their communities. As a former recipient, I know the power of this recognition: This was the first award I won with NSTA, and it was a pivotal moment in my journey as an educator. It affirmed my calling and deepened my commitment to serving students who often face systemic barriers in education. Awards like this not only celebrate excellence, but also shine a light on educators who are creating spaces where all students can thrive in science.”

Each of the teachers received $1,800 for expenses to attend NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education in Philadelphia, which took place March 26–29.

More information about the Shell Urban Science Educator Development Award and the NSTA Teacher Awards Program can be found online at https://www.nsta.org/awards-and-recognition-program.

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.

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Contact
Kate Falk, NSTA
(703) 312-9211
kfalk@nsta.org