Dr. Tony Donen, principal of STEM School Chattanooga was among the winners announced today by the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network of the “STEM Excellence Awards,” a series of competitive awards that recognize outstanding teachers, leaders and advocates in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The TSIN will honor awardees at the fourth annual Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit on Wednesday, May 9 in Nashville.
Nominations were open to the public in the spring of this year.
“Tennessee’s recent successes in expanding STEM learning for students are due to the combined efforts of strong teachers in the classroom and innovative leaders and advocates that place STEM at the top of their priority lists,” said Wes Hall, director of TSIN. “We are privileged to be able to recognize the efforts of these amazing individuals and the contributions they have made to advancing STEM throughout the state.”
This year’s awardees of the STEM Excellence Awards include:
Excellence in STEM Teaching Award -
Sharon Clark, teacher, East Side Intermediate School, Haywood County Schools
Excellence in STEM Leadership Award -
Erin Thurston, STEM coordinator, Jack Anderson Elementary, Sumner County Schools
STEM Advocate Award -
Billy Hix, professor Emeritus at Motlow State Community College and director of STEM Outreach Program
STEM Innovator Award -
Dr. Tony Donen, principal, STEM School Chattanooga, Hamilton County Department of Education