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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE TEACHING

Awards were presented at the Roy Rayley Room at the Pendleton Roundup Grounds

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Please join us in celebrating our colleagues and everyone's commitment to science education.

2026 OSTA Outstanding Teaching Awardees

One of the most important functions of the Oregon Science Teachers Association is to recognize outstanding science educators across the state.  Each year the OSTA Executive Board selects several individuals for statewide and regional awards.  The Awardees are selected by committee from individuals nominated by members of OSTA.

Nominations for 2027 Awards is open now.  Please consider nominating a deserving science teacher.

Outstanding Classroom Teaching Awards


Stacy Welsh

Pilot Butte Middle School

Central Oregon

I owe my career to Stacy! She taught down the hall from my mentor teacher's classroom when my career began as a student teacher. I spent a lot of time in Stacy's classroom because even then, I could feel that there was something special about this goofy 6th grade science teacher. She showed me how to love this career and every student. She approached her job with a smile, lots of laughs, and a deep concern for her students. Ten years later, Stacy works even harder to keep her students motivated and deeply engaged in meaningful science. Thank you for your mentorship and dedication to your craft!

Jocelyn Paris

Chenowith Elementary School

Columbia Gorge
Jocelyn has been a champion for project-based learning at Chenowith Elementary. In her TOSA role, she ensures an equitable space where every student learns real-world skills. This year, she spearheaded a school-wide sensory garden project, bringing together students, families, and community members in this hands-on STEM initiative to transform the school courtyard into a calming place for everyone.

Jim Schaffeld

Vale High School

Frontier

Jim Schaffeld, Ag and VEX Robotics teacher, exemplifies what it means to inspire student achievement in science. His ag and robotics classes and after-school programs give students hands-on STEM experiences that translate classroom concepts into real-world problem-solving, sparking excitement that keeps students engaged and inspired well beyond the school day. Jim extends that impact into the community by running summer robotics camps for 4th–8th graders, building a pipeline of future engineers and giving younger students an early, hands-on introduction to STEM. He regularly volunteers his own time and personal funds to make sure students have the tools and opportunities they need, regardless of budget constraints. He has a level of dedication that reflects genuine investment in his students' growth.
   Jim is also a generous mentor to fellow educators, consistently offering support and expertise to other hard-working teachers in the region. His ongoing partnership with the Frontier STEM Hub further amplifies his reach, helping bring STEM opportunities to students across the area.
   Jim is also a generous mentor to fellow educators, consistently offering support and expertise to other hard-working teachers in the region. His ongoing partnership with the Frontier STEM Hub further amplifies his reach, helping bring STEM opportunities to students across the area.
   Jim's combination of classroom excellence, community generosity, and collaborative spirit makes him an outstanding representative of science education in our region.

Tracy Watts

Nyssa High School

Frontier
Tracy Watts has taught high school science for more than 25 years, teaching biology, chemistry, physical science, biomedical science, anatomy, advanced biology, and forensics. Her range across disciplines reflects a deep commitment to giving students varied ways to engage with science. Over the years, she has been an advisor for HOSA, SMILE, and National Honor Society, building pathways for students into science and health careers well beyond the classroom. Tracy has taken on a mentoring role for other teachers as a regional leader in EO's HS Science Educator's Rural Learning Collaborative. Additionally, Tracy has lead regional professional development workshops that strengthen science instruction across rural Eastern Oregon. Her work supporting fellow educators, many of them new or teaching in isolated frontier schools, has a multiplying effect on student learning across the region. Tracy stays current in her craft through active participation in OSTA and NSTA conferences, modeling lifelong learning for her students and colleagues alike. Her longevity, instructional range, and willingness to support other educators make her a true asset to science education in Oregon, and an outstanding representative of the OSTA Outstanding Classroom Teacher Award.

Emily Sorensen

Stella Mayfield Elementary

Greater Oregon
Emily is creative in her approaches to teaching. She has a very interactive class, where learning is physical, mental, and fun. She lets the students be independent thinkers and values their thoughts and ideas. She has taken science to a different level, full of excitement while learning how to explore our world.

Jess Cooper

Pendleton High School

Greater Oregon
Jess Cooper has been the chemistry teacher at Pendleton High School for the past 42 years. He has taught generations of students who are now doctors, vets, nurses, engineers. He's been a staple at PHS and has changed the lives of thousands truly making our community a better place.

Marty Campbell

Pendleton High School

Greater Oregon
Marty is our infamous Ag teacher and FFA director. Marty helps build careers for kids in our community. From farming to welding, he teaches and engages kids to continue and carry on the legacy of their family farms and preserve the culture in our community.

Alessandra Turnbull

Newport Middle School

Oregon Coast
Ale is a professional scientist-turned-middle school teacher, who has jumped into rigorous, place-based teaching with passion and enthusiasm. She teaches the NGSS in highly relevant ways, engaging her seventh grade and Marine Science students in field work, data collection and analysis. Her students seem continuously engaged and reflect Ale's passion.

Heather McBane

Jewell School.                   

Oregon Coast
Heather is committed to deep integration of literacy, math, and science with arts, engineering, and civics. Her students are always working on experiential projects that are meaningful to them, the school, and their wider community. Heather has an enviable relationship with her students of mutual respect, and her students display maturity, compassion, and a strong work ethic. She brings experts to the classroom to work with students and brings students outside the classroom. I wish I could have had an elementary teacher like Heather!

Sruthi Muralidharan

Ida B Wells-Barnett HS

Portland Metro
In only her second year as a science teacher, Sruthi began pushing to develop a pilot program at our school to include students with cognitive disabilities into our mainstream core classes. She connected with stakeholders such as counselors, other teachers, and parents, to find collaborators and advocates with a shared vision. She met with faculty and administrators in Oregon districts where a full inclusion model was the norm in order to assess what was working well, what could be improved, and where we might run into unanticipated challenges. Her relentless work paid off and this year she was successful in getting students with cognitive disabilities cohorted into Physics, World History, and 9th grade English classes where they found success learning and interacting with their general education peers. To help support these students, she has recruited 12th graders to assist as peer mentors during class activities. This never would’ve happened without Sruthi’s persistence and deep belief that ALL students can, and want to learn if given the opportunity. She is one of the most self-reflective and selfless teachers I know and continues to push for a more equitable school system that benefits everyone in our community.

Edgar Massingale

Aloha High School

Portland Metro

Edgar Massingale deserves special recognition for instituting and leading "Soul of Science," a project in which Aloha HS physics students work during the summer to gently modify the Patterns Physics curriculum to better leverage local funds of knowledge and interest. Soul of Science is overseen by an advisory board with membership outside of BSD, and has enlisted group of regularly-meeting teachers, known as Bridge Builders. Results from Soul of Science have been presented and very-well received nationally (NSTA and NSF National conferences), and regionally (OSTA).
   Edgar came to physics teaching from an engineering career in which he was unsatisfied with the diversity represented the field, particularly experiencing a lack of African American engineers. His efforts to place students at the center of the curriculum represents transformative teaching of a kind that invites and inspires all students to pursue STEM learning and careers. Edgar's physics students thrive!

Sam Castro

Glencoe High School

Portland Metro
Sam Castro is an exceptional early-career science teacher whose thoughtful approach to teaching inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine appreciation for science. He creates phenomenon-based learning experiences that connect classroom content to students’ everyday lives, empowering them to ask questions, analyze evidence, and construct their own understanding. Sam is highly reflective and continuously seeks feedback to improve his practice, demonstrating both humility and a commitment to lifelong learning. He is a collaborative colleague who willingly shares ideas, supports his peers, and contributes positively to his school community - whether it be through his mariachi class or by being a trusted adult. Throughout his graduate work and classroom teaching, Sam has consistently demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and a deep commitment to equitable science education. His ability to engage students in authentic scientific thinking while building an inclusive and supportive learning environment makes him an outstanding representative of the next generation of science educators and highly deserving of recognition by OSTA.

Emily Schmelling

McNary High School

South Metro-Salem
Emily Schmelling joined our team last year and has become an integral part of the Physics PLC and Science Department at McNary High School. Her passion for all things science, and enthusiasm for supporting students, has been infectious. She seeks to connect with students and find creative ways to help them find success and build confidence. She is greatly appreciated and makes a difference for students and staff!



Statewide Awards


The Sunrise Scholarship

The Sunrise Scholarship Award was established by long-time OSTA Board Member, Lynn Mitchell.  Lynn was a science teacher at Hood River High school, and spent many years on the OSTA board in a number of capacities.  His vision for this scholarship was to support early career teachers to get involved with their professional organization, take advantage of the resources available through being a member, and setting the stage for the next generation of science leaders in OSTA. The Sunrise Scholarship is used to pay registration to attend the next two (2) OSTA Statewide Conferences, and a 2-year membership in OSTA.


Jessica Ewton


Alsea Middle/High School

Jess comes to teaching with a strong chemistry background and an infectious enthusiasm for science. As a first year teacher, she has the heavy burden of being the only science teacher grades 7-12. Being in the Coast Range, Jessica relies on her environment to make science learning relevant to her students and full of opportunities to make individual connections. Additionally, in her first year of teaching, Jessica started an National Ocean Science Bowl Team (Salmon Bowl) at Alsea HS and is constantly looking for new ways to increase her students' interest in science.


Burgandee Porter


Nyssa Elementary School

Burgandee is highly deserving of special recognition because of her unwavering commitment to expanding science learning opportunities for all students. As a dedicated SMILE teacher and advisor, she inspires students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while helping them develop confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. She is a strong advocate for equitable access to science education and works tirelessly to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in meaningful STEM experiences. In addition, she plays an active role in planning, promoting, and supporting our annual STEM Night, helping make it a successful and engaging event for students and families each year. Her passion for science education, dedication to student success, and leadership in promoting STEM opportunities have made a lasting impact on our school community.


Wake Wolf


Reynolds High School

Wake is a promising new science teacher, though he's been teaching for several years on a restricted license. He is wicked smart and is able to engage his students in meaningful science in spite of large class sizes. Wake is dedicated to teaching science and acknowledges the humbling work before us.


Adrian Cardoso


Conestoga Middle School

Adrian is a thoughtful and reflective new science teacher who consistently looks for ways to make science meaningful and accessible for his students. He thoughtfully integrates inquiry, technology, and real-world phenomena into his lessons and approaches teaching with humility, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to continual growth.

Special Service to Science Education Award

This award honors those individuals who, as classroom teachers, have made significant contributions to science teaching in their own classrooms and beyond. The awardee will be selected based on career longevity and body of work, statewide and regional influence, enthusiasm for science, and the ability to motivate students and colleagues alike. 

Courtney Lewis Nyssa Elementary School

Courtney is exceptionally deserving of special recognition for her outstanding dedication to STEM education and her commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities for students. As the advisor for the Nyssa Elementary LEGO Robotics program, she coordinates, teaches, mentors, and supports an impressive 13 robotics teams each year. From August through February, she invests countless hours preparing students for competitions, guiding them through problem-solving challenges, and accompanying them to events where they can showcase their skills and learning. Her commitment to student growth continues in the spring when she leads an after-school coding program, providing students with additional opportunities to develop critical technology and computational thinking skills. Courtney is also a passionate advocate for science education, consistently promoting hands-on, project-based, and inquiry-driven learning experiences in classrooms. Her leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to fostering curiosity and a love of learning have had a profound impact on students and have helped create a strong culture of STEM excellence at Nyssa Elementary.


Distinguished Service to Science Education Award

This award is intended to honor those individuals who, as classroom teachers, have made significant contributions to science teaching in their own classrooms and beyond. The awardee was selected based on career longevity and body of work, statewide and regional influence, enthusiasm for science, and the ability to motivate students and colleagues alike.

Pat Dutcher Pendleton High School

Pat Dutcher, Principal of Pendleton High School, has been a steadfast champion of science education and student opportunity. He consistently finds ways to support the science department, whether by securing funding for the annual Science Coast field trip or helping develop the dual-credit Anatomy and Physiology program for future healthcare professionals. Pat recognizes the importance of providing advanced learning experiences that are not available at many schools and works to turn those opportunities into reality. Through his vision and support, students can earn up to 27 college biology credits, including the full Biology sequence for majors and college-level Anatomy and Physiology sequence, preparing them for future success.



Speical Service to OSTA Award

This award will be given to an individual who has made significant and long-term contributions of time and effort to supporting the mission of OSTA and to facilitate excellence and continuous improvement in science education. 

Kyle Koyle Greater Oregon STEM Hub (GO STEM)

Kyle Koyle is an outstanding candidate for the OSTA Special Service Award due to her transformative impact on STEM education in Eastern Oregon. She played a key role in creating the GO STEM Mobile Maker Lab, bringing hands-on, NGSS-aligned learning directly to rural and underserved communities. Through this program, she has expanded access to high-quality STEM experiences, inspiring students and supporting educators across the region. Kyle’s tireless dedication, innovative leadership, and commitment to equitable science education embody OSTA’s mission and have made a lasting difference for students, teachers, and communities throughout Oregon.


Crista Hawkins Oregon Dairy Council Youth Wellness Director

Crista Hawkins has been an invaluable partner and advocate for science education in Oregon through her work as Senior Director of Youth Wellness at the Oregon Dairy Council. Through her collaboration with the Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA), she helped secure critical funding that supported teachers and strengthened professional learning opportunities across the state. Crista's contributions extended from supporting OSTA board retreats and annual conferences to sponsoring regional meetings and trainings in rural Oregon. Her dedication helped expand access to high-quality professional development for countless educators. Although she is no longer with the Oregon Dairy Council, Crista’s impact on OSTA and Oregon science teachers remains lasting and deeply appreciated.



The NGSS Team Award

As Dr. Okhee Lee said, NGSS implementation is a relay, and the strongest runners - the classroom teachers - take the baton over the finish line. OSTA has created the NGSS Team Award to honor the incredible teamwork happening at schools and districts statewide. This award will be given to a team of K-12 teachers who are sharing the work of implementing NGSS-aligned curriculum and assessment at their school or in their district. 

Matt Baty
Hollie Chay
Nichole Erwin
Sami Spriet
Nancy Vert

Sunridge Middle School

Pendleton SD

The Sunridge Science Department has made a strong commitment to improving science instruction through the adoption of a new NGSS-aligned curriculum and textbook. Over the past two years, department members have participated in Impact Teams training focused on strengthening instructional practices, analyzing student learning, and ensuring alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This collaborative work has allowed teachers to develop common learning targets, assessments, and instructional strategies that align with both NGSS expectations and the new curriculum resources. As a result, the department has created greater cohesion across courses, providing students with a consistent, rigorous, and engaging science learning experience.


Nominations for 2027 Awards is open now.

Please consider nominating a deserving science teacher.


971-361-OSTA

4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd, #1025
Portland, Oregon
97214

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