Two teachers in the Lehi area have been honored with the Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards. The awards, presented by technology leader Texas Instruments (TI), recognize excellence and innovation in STEM education.
Stephanie Billings, a sixth-grade teacher at Sego Lily Elementary, and Karre Nevarez, a science teacher at Mountain Ridge Junior High, each received $10,000. Half of the funds are designated for their classrooms, while the other half serves as a personal award to recognize their impact on students in STEM.
The awards were presented in the teachers' classrooms on April 27. Attendees included students, members of the TI Foundation, and Alpine School District officials.
This marks the second year the program has operated in the Alpine School District and the first instance where both an elementary and a secondary teacher have received the award. Each school was eligible to nominate a teacher for the honor.
Andy Smith, executive director of the TI Foundation, stated that excellence in STEM education involves adapting to learning styles, encouraging students, and making the subject exciting. He noted that award winners prepare students for future careers by teaching problem-solving skills.
Stephanie Billings plans to use her grant to create a flexible learning environment featuring alternative seating such as floor seating, lap desks, and wiggle seats to improve student focus and engagement. She also intends to purchase items for STEM activities to continue providing hands-on lessons.
Karre Nevarez intends to use her grant to establish a semester-long, AI-supported Personal Passion Project Lab. This lab will allow students to tackle real-world problems using emerging technology through principles like collaboration and rapid iteration. Nevarez noted that the recognition is meaningful after decades of advocating for STEM education.
Vigue, the executive director of the Alpine School District Foundation, expressed inspiration regarding the commitment and innovation shown by the award winners. Vigue added that these educators impact their students, peers, and schools throughout the state of Utah.
Vigue also emphasized the district's appreciation for the partnership with Texas Instruments and noted that the award honors educators who teach critical thinking and 21st-century skills.
