8th Delaware STEM 2022 Award Ceremony - Jamie Swartz Cert Elem 1st Award

Here is the acceptance address of one of this year's educators at the 8th Delaware STEM Educator Awards held Nov 17, 2022 at Buena Vista in New Castle County Delaware.

All award winners in each category received an unrestricted cash prizes as well as free access to all parks in the Delaware State Park system.

1st Place Elementary School Certified STEM Educator Award Winner
Jamie Swartz | John M. Clayton Elementary School

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Program Summary

The Delaware STEM Educator Award recognizes a teacher or team of teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels that demonstrate STEM innovation and excellence through teaching, academic collaboration, and student engagement. First place winners will receive a one-time unrestricted cash award as a thank you for their commitment to STEM in Delaware and the success of our students.

The Governor’s STEM Council definition of STEM education and the Council’s three goals are the basis for evaluation of exemplary STEM practice in the classroom.

Definition of STEM:

STEM Education is an approach to teaching and learning that emphasizes integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for all students through student-focused, problem-based curricula and instruction. STEM education fosters creativity and innovation while developing communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills through a focus on authentic and appropriate contexts in curriculum and assessment.

STEM Council Goals:

Expand the number of Delaware students who ultimately pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields and broaden the participation of women and minorities in these fields;
expand the STEM capable workforce to create, grow and attract STEM-related businesses to Delaware;
increase STEM literacy for all Delaware students including those who pursue non-STEM related careers, but need STEM skills
Eligibility

Applicants must be a certified teachers at the K-12 grade level in a Delaware public school. Applicants must be full-time employees of the school or school district as determined by state and district policies and teach K-12 students at least 50% of the time.

Selection Procedure

The Delaware STEM Educator Award Selection Committee (a group representative of the Governor’s Delaware STEM Council) will review all completed applications and select first place winners in each category. Finalists will be notified of their selection via telephone and postal mail and/or email. Finalists will be recognized and presented with their awards during a STEM Council sponsored Symposium program where awardees will share innovative practices with teachers from throughout the state. The date and details regarding the Symposium program will be included with finalist notification.

The awards are made possible from the generous support of Ashland