SW STEM updates just for you STEM partner

August came and went very fast as the STEM Scale-Up Professional Development season finished, school registration was completed and the STEM Council 10th Anniversary Celebration was held in Des Moines on August 21 & 22.

The SW STEM Region is looking forward to a safe and exciting 2021-22 School year!

Nominations open for 2022 Iowa STEM Teacher Award

Administrators, teachers, counselors, parents, students and other Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) advocates are invited to nominate an inspirational teacher for the 2021-2022 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Kemin Industries and the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council.

One teacher from each of the six STEM regions is selected for their contributions and dedication to STEM education in Iowa. Each recipient will receive $1,500 for personal use, as well as another $1,500 to be used in their classroom.

Eligible nominees include licensed, full-time, PreK-12 Iowa STEM teachers in public or non-public schools. For this award, a full-time teacher is defined as an educator who spends at least 75% of their working hours (approximately 30 hours, minimum) in the classroom - both virtually and in-person - interacting with students. Nominations for previous award recipients and self-nominations will not be accepted.

The nomination window for this award closes on October 10, 2021.

Following this process, application will be submitted for nominated educators to complete.

Iowa STEM Teacher Award

Registration is open for the September 16, 2021 Iowa Workforce Summit: Transforming Education for the Workforce to be held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The event is FREE and relicensure credits are available for educators in attendance. For more information check out

2021 STEM Summit

Kemin Industries Honors 2021 STEM Educators

Registration in final stages for Iowa Workforce Summit

A highlight of the Iowa State Fair on STEM Day August 22nd was recognition of six honored STEM educators including Nathan VanZante, MS Science Teacher at the Lewis Central Middle School.

The Grand Concourse was transformed into a STEM paradise with stage shows, vendor exhibits, challenges and demonstrations for all to enjoy!

SW STEM Region