R2i2 instructor is 2022-2023 STEM Educator of the Year
March 24, 2022
Kirstin Bullington, Next Energy Engineering instructor at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2) Student Innovation Center, is South Carolina’s 2022 STEM Educator of the Year. The award honors educators who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by providing an excellent curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning, and inspiring a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering or Math beyond the classroom and into the future.
“I’m deeply honored to be recognized for this award, and look forward to exploring ways to strengthen the connections between South Carolina industries and STEM instruction to provide more opportunities for all of our students,” said Bullington.
Kevin Alberse is the Director of the R2i2 Student Innovation Center. “We are proud of the work that Kirstin has done on behalf of her students. She helps them to see that what they are learning is meaningful in a larger context than just test scores. Their approach to solving real-world problems is a huge part of what we are as a school. I am proud of all they have accomplished.”
This year’s awards are sponsored by Comporium, Bojangles, and the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. Bullington will receive $5,000 and also have the opportunity to attend STEM conferences, participate in STEM industry roundtables, and promote her platform over the next 12 months.
Bullington attended the University of Evansville in Indiana where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in music. She holds a Master of Public Health in International Health and Development from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She entered the teaching profession in 2003 through Teach for America and joined the R2i2 staff in 2016.
The R2i2 Student Innovation Center focuses on preparing students for the workplace, certification programs and/or higher education. Students in grades 10-12, from all five of the district’s high schools, take courses at R2i2 including App Development and Coding; Next Energy Engineering; Marketing and Social Media; Pastry and Baking; 3D Printing and Design; and Animation and B.E.A.T.S. (Beginning Engineering of Audio, Technology, and Sound).
