Spartanburg Science Center announces finalists for 2024 Spartanburg County STEM Educator of the Year Awards September 26 at the Chapman Cultural Center
August 12, 2024
As Spartanburg County welcomes teachers back to school, the Spartanburg Science Center surprised seven educators with news that they were the district finalists for the 2024 STEM Educator of the Year Awards celebrating the creativity, perseverance, and fortitude of our K-12 public school educators in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Educators were nominated by peers, administrators, students and community members this past Spring, and a blind judging process took place over the summer with representatives from Wofford, VCOM, and Park National Bank. The seven finalists are in the running for the STEM Educator of the Year who will be announced during a Celebration on September 26 at Chapman Cultural Center where the awards ceremony will take place. Each teacher will receive a check for $2,500 and professional development opportunities from the Center, and the countywide winner will receive an additional $2,500.
“Once again, we are honored to celebrate a STEM Educator from all seven school districts in Spartanburg County,” said Executive Director, Mary Levens. “STEM is not just an ordinary acronym. It is made up of four words, Science-Technology-
It takes a special educator that is not only well qualified in one, two, three or all four areas, but possesses the ability to transfer that knowledge and excite our youth, our future. These are very special educators, and we are thrilled to be recognizing and celebrating them. Please plan to join us at Chapman Cultural Center on the evening of September 26, 2024, to celebrate our outstanding public school STEM Educators. You will not be disappointed!”
The STEM Educator of the Year Finalists include:
- D1—Sundra Proctor-Smith, Chapman High School, Special Education- Inclusion Math Teacher
- “My platform is focused on integrating STEM education and introducing nontraditional stem careers to underrepresented populations in our county”
- D2—Jolene McCall, Boiling Springs Middle School, STEM Teacher (6-8th grade)
- “My focus is to ensure our students are prepared for the advanced jobs of the future and be all they can dream of being!”
- D3—Melanie Painter, Broome High School, STEAM Coordinator
- “As a math teacher, [..] I want to see an increase in professional development statewide that gives teachers the tools they need to effectively teach their content in parallel with the other STEM fields. Students need to see the connection and the real-world relevance. Furthermore, this needs to be a K-12 initiative, not just secondary education. […] I want teachers to have the confidence and tools they need to successfully design curriculum that is relevant to the real-world and shows the beautiful connections between STEM on a systematic level.”
- D4—Laura Matz, Woodruff High School, Chemistry & Environmental Science Teacher
- “If I were to summarize my platform in one statement, it would be “STEM – you CAN do it.” […] In addition to learning chemistry, critical thinking, and problem-solving, I want them to learn the skills of mental toughness and academic perseverance. […] Most of all, I want them to instill confidence in themselves, and belief in their abilities.”
- D5—Peyton Proffit, Byrnes High School, PLTW Engineering Teacher
- “My platform is showing students how collaboration and interpersonal skills are critical to be successful in college and career opportunities.”
- D6—Karen Crossley, Dorman HS Freshman Campus, STEM & science teacher & DHS STEM Coordinator
- “If selected as the 2024 Spartanburg STEM Educator of the Year, my focus would be to show high school students from all ethnic/cultural backgrounds how STEM education is important in everyday life and even careers.”
- D7—Endra Biggerstaff, Spartanburg High School, Special Education Teacher
- “My focus for my students is to integrate STEM practices and real world practices to prepare my students to be career ready and able to navigate the challenges of real world experiences.”
In addition to celebrating educators during the event on September 26, the Science Center will be honoring their STEM Partner of the Year, Community Partner of the Year and presenting the John F. Green Award for Student Excellence in STEM. This event is open and free to the community. https://www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org/stem-ed/
About the Spartanburg Science Center
The John F. Green Spartanburg Science Center has remained the premier STEM educational resource for educators, parents and students in Spartanburg County for over 45 years. We excite and engage students in STEM exploration, and envision a community of problem solvers, ignited by a spark for STEM. Learn more at spartanburgsciencecenter.org.
