The Siegfried Excellence in STEM Education Awards honor Oklahoma’s most outstanding educators, trailblazers who are transforming STEM education in our state. These awards, presented annually at Flight Night, recognize teachers and leaders who exemplify innovative, STEM-infused teaching strategies and inspire positive student learning outcomes. From elementary classrooms to district-wide initiatives, these awardees are dedicated to expanding access to quality STEM education for all Oklahoma students. Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements and the lasting impact they have on the future of STEM learning.
At Flight Night, we will celebrate these outstanding finalists, culminating in the announcement of the overall Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year.
2026 Finalists
Cathy wade
Elementary school Category Finalist
Rollingwood Elementary, Putnam City Public Schools
Cathy Wade brings a powerful combination of scientific expertise and research-based pedagogy to her STEM classroom at Rollingwood Elementary. In just three years of teaching, she has built a PreK-5 program centered on the Engineering Design Process, weaving together engineering, Earth science, robotics, coding, and real-world problem-solving into daily instruction. A graduate of Oklahoma State University’s Elementary Effectiveness of Teaching program, where she finished first in her cohort, Cathy also holds a biology degree that deepens the authenticity of the experiences she designs for students. She was selected for the competitive American Fidelity STEM Teacher Fellowship from a pool of more than 400 statewide applicants, and has been honored as Science Museum Educator of the Month and featured on KOCO’s Spotlight for STEM Teachers.
Committed to ensuring access is never left to chance, Cathy has secured multiple competitive grants from organizations including the Oklahoma Geological Foundation, OERB, the Mars Initiative, and Devon Thunder Explorers, funding that brings robotics, engineering materials, and immersive learning tools into her Title I school. She partners with the First Americans Museum to connect students to culturally rich STEM experiences, hosts family-centered STEM Nights with local organizations like Francis Tuttle Technology Center, and embeds high-quality STEM into the regular school day so participation is guaranteed for every child, regardless of background or resources.
This past year, Cathy is especially proud of a student-designed mini golf engineering project that became a full engineering cycle experience. Students sketched blueprints, tested angles, revised structures, and ultimately 3D printed custom hole cups to complete their courses. The unit culminated in a schoolwide showcase where families and peers played through student-built courses while young engineers confidently explained the physics behind their designs, proof that when students are given real tools and real problems, they rise to meet the moment.
Leah Dollar
Middle School Category Finalist
Stillwater Middle School, Stillwater Public Schools
Leah Dollar’s path to STEM education is one of intentional evolution. Beginning her career at the elementary level, she developed a deep foundation in whole-child instruction before transitioning to middle school, where she discovered her true calling. Today, she leads 7th-grade courses in Medical Detectives, Robotics, and Engineering at Stillwater Middle School, bringing Project Lead the Way (PLTW)-certified, collegiate-level engineering concepts into the hands of her students. A two-time VEX IQ Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year at both Stillwater Middle School and Stillwater Public Schools, Leah also serves as the Professional Learning Community Lead for her school’s elective department, mentoring colleagues in curriculum design and high-impact instructional practice.
Leah’s approach to equity in STEM is multi-layered and proactive. She writes and secures grants to ensure that no student’s financial situation determines their ability to compete at the state or world level. Her Girls in Engineering club offers female students a dedicated space to explore the field alongside professional women engineers as role models, and she leads a specialized summer STEM camp specifically for students in her district’s Indigenous Education Program. Her partnership with Oklahoma State University provides near-peer mentoring opportunities with university engineering students, supporting tournaments and after-school programs while helping middle schoolers envision post-secondary education as a tangible next step.
Looking back on the past year, Leah’s proudest achievements span both competition and community. Her students earned four Tournament Championships and four Excellence Awards in VEX IQ Robotics, a testament to their mastery of the engineering design process. She hosted two major state tournaments, one welcoming more than 50 teams, and successfully secured a grant for Edison robots to provide tiered, accessible learning for students at every level. For Leah, the measure of success is not trophies alone. It is the growing number of students who walk out of her lab believing they are the architects of their own futures.
Ramona Rogers
High School Category Finalist
Booker T. Washington High School, Tulsa Public Schools
Ramona Rogers is a purpose-driven educator who has spent four years transforming the STEM culture at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa. As a computer science teacher, Technology Student Association advisor, and co-leader of the Robo Hornets robotics team, she teaches coding, app development, and emerging technologies while holding the belief that every student carries greatness and that STEM is the tool to unlock it. A published author, certified life and executive coach, and internationally certified AI Consultant, Ramona brings a rare breadth of expertise to her classroom. Under her leadership, the TSA chapter placed multiple teams at the state level and sent nine students to the 2025 national conference.
Ramona is deliberate about dismantling barriers to STEM participation. She requires no prior knowledge to join any of her programs, including TSA, robotics, drone racing, and the Google Certification Program, the only high school program of its kind in Oklahoma, which provides students with industry-recognized credentials at no cost. She partners with Oklahoma State University-Tulsa to expose students to cutting-edge research in autonomous vehicles, collaborates with Tulsa Innovation and PartnerTulsa to sustain her drone racing program, and engages 29 students in the Oklahoma City Thunder AI in Sports Pilot Program, connecting the classroom to real-world applications of artificial intelligence. She also actively brings in professionals from diverse backgrounds so students can see people who look like them leading in STEM spaces.
This past year, Ramona’s proudest achievement came in two forms: the most successful STEM Day since its inception four years ago, and the attainment of her own international AI certification. At STEM Day 2026, she elevated student ownership by selecting two students as project managers who led logistics, volunteer coordination, and execution for the entire event. Watching them step into leadership was, for Ramona, the clearest evidence that STEM education is about far more than content. Her personal investment in AI expertise has since made her a resource for colleagues across the district, helping educators move from uncertainty to confidence as they navigate an increasingly technology-driven world.
Traeton Dansby
Leadership Category Finalist
Bixby Applied Creativity Center, Bixby Public Schools
Traeton Dansby’s journey in STEM education begins with a self-taught rural Choctaw kid who coded with spotty internet, went on to coach a 3rd-grade robotics team to a World Championship, and never forgot where he came from. Now serving as District STEM Coordinator for Bixby Public Schools, he oversees Oklahoma’s largest and fastest-growing robotics program, including a 6,000-square-foot Innovation Hub, a VEX IQ International Signature Event, and more than 200 enrolled students. The youngest-ever inductee into the VEX STEM Hall of Fame, Traeton is also the author of a Mock Trial Project curriculum used by social studies teachers worldwide and the overseer of student-published VEX CAD manuals now hosted on the official VEX IQ Knowledge Base.
Equity is the throughline of everything Traeton builds. His Girls and Gears initiative, the first class of its kind in Oklahoma with mandated all-female enrollment, resulted in a 125% increase in female robotics participation at Bixby and spawned a statewide competition that incentivized other schools to actively recruit girls into their programs. Beyond Bixby, he spends his summers partnering with the American Indian Resource Center to deliver STEM camps and teacher training to rural schools in Adair and Cherokee counties, where he has helped secure more than $50,000 in robotics equipment for underserved communities. He hosts a free annual Coach Professional Development open to all Oklahoma educators and has personally volunteered to help other district programs build and grow.
This past year, Traeton is proudest of being selected to host the FrostByte Frenzy VEX IQ International Signature Event, a highly competitive selection process that brought 60 student teams from across the United States and abroad to Tulsa for two days of high-energy competition, made possible by more than 150 volunteers. For Traeton, the event was about more than a competition. It was a statement that Tulsa is a hub of innovation, and that a homegrown rural kid can help put it on the world stage.
Raegan Martin-Teakell
Out-of-school time Category Finalist
The FISTA Foundation, Lawton
Raegan Martin-Teakell is a STEM educator whose career has grown from classroom teacher to makerspace innovator to the driving force behind one of Southwest Oklahoma’s most ambitious community STEM initiatives. With 14 years in education, she now serves as STEM Coordinator at FISTA Innovation Park in Lawton, designing hands-on experiences for students, educators, and families across the region. A NASA STELLAR Star, OERB Top 20 Teacher, adjunct professor at Cameron University, and presenter at numerous educator conferences, Raegan’s work is built on a simple conviction: every student should feel like they belong in STEM.
At FISTA, Raegan has cultivated a rich network of partnerships to ensure that cost and geography are never barriers. She actively seeks grants to keep programming free, works alongside organizations including Operation Orange, Engage Learning, Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, Great Plains Technology Center, and Cameron University to bring students face-to-face with STEM professionals, and takes programming directly into schools and community spaces when students cannot come to her. She hosts weekly Robotics Nights with the Lawton Public Library, houses a VEX robotics team, and has launched an internship program that places local high school students inside FISTA’s professional ecosystem, where they learn alongside engineers, programmers, and university partners who help them see a future they may not have imagined on their own.
This past year, Raegan’s proudest achievement has been her central role in planning the FISTA Youth and Science Institute, a hands-on discovery center that will bring meaningful, family-centered STEM access to the Lawton community for generations to come. Touring comparable spaces to ensure the vision is worthy of the community it will serve, Raegan describes seeing the first concept plans as a moment that moved her to tears. For her, the real victory lies not in any single program or accolade, but in building something bigger than herself and watching students move from “I can’t” to “I can” along the way.
honorable Mentions
Celebrate Oklahoma’s Outstanding STEM Educators
Every year, we recognize incredible educators who are inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. This year’s award winners represent the very best of STEM teaching and mentorship across our state—and they are joined by an equally remarkable group of Honorable Mentions.
Our Honorable Mentions spotlight three additional educators in each award category. These individuals exemplify excellence, creativity, and dedication in the classroom and beyond. By recognizing Honorable Mentions, we celebrate the truth that Oklahoma is full of outstanding educators who go above and beyond to ensure that students see themselves in STEM.
Past Awardees
Vona Cardwell
Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year Elementary school Category Finalist
Claremont & Roosa Elementary, Claremore Public Schools
Vona Cardwell brings years of experience and a strong track record of student growth to her STEM teaching practice. At Claremont and Roosa Elementary Schools, Vona cultivates engaging, real-world STEM experiences that help young learners build problem-solving and collaboration skills from the start.
A leader in project-based learning and inclusive instruction, she partners with local organizations and colleagues to offer mentorship and enrichment opportunities for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her multi-faceted approach to STEM education includes robotics integration, career exploration, and cultivating curiosity through science storytelling.
Vona’s proudest recent achievement includes launching a schoolwide STEM event that brought families, educators, and community partners together, helping students see themselves as scientists and engineers while fostering a culture of STEM belonging that extends beyond the classroom.
De'ira Taylor
Middle School Category Finalist
Monroe Demonstration Academy, Tulsa Public Schools
De’Ira Taylor is a dedicated career and technology educator who centers equity and belonging in everything she does. At Monroe Demonstration Academy, she transforms her classroom into a vibrant hub for innovation, especially for students from historically marginalized communities.
De’Ira emphasizes student voice and community connection, embedding authentic partnerships and mentorship opportunities throughout her curriculum. She integrates culturally responsive teaching strategies and works tirelessly to secure resources that ensure access for all learners, including those with disabilities or from low-income backgrounds.
This past year, she was especially proud of organizing a school-wide STEM day focused on environmental justice, which offered students the chance to engage with STEM professionals and take real-world action in their own community.
Gary Knowles
High School Category Finalist
Mustang High School, Mustang Public Schools
Gary Knowles blends industry expertise with innovative teaching to prepare students for both college and career. A small business owner and CareerTech instructor, he equips his high school engineering and aerospace students with hands-on, skills-based learning rooted in real-world applications. His classes tackle ambitious projects ranging from flight simulation and heavy lift balloon rockets to airport design and foam gliders, all while building the leadership and teamwork skills essential to the STEM workforce.
Passionate about equity in STEM, Gary incorporates design thinking and universal design principles into his instruction to ensure all learners can thrive. Beyond the classroom, he mentors the Mustang Aero student group in outreach with younger students and families and supports educators statewide through NASA Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium’s STELLAR program.
This past year, he guided his Aviation IV seniors to a groundbreaking achievement as the first high school team in Oklahoma to design, build, and launch a high-powered hybrid rocket through the SystemsGo program. The 8.5-foot vehicle passed the rigorous Flight Readiness Review and launched successfully at the national competition, demonstrating his students’ technical skill, collaboration, and resilience while advancing aerospace education opportunities across the state.
MacKensie Mathison
Leadership Category Finalist
Darnaby Elementary School, Union Public Schools
MacKensie Mathison isn’t just an educator—she’s a trailblazer who’s reimagining what school can be through the power of STEM. As the STEM Strategist and a leader at Darnaby Elementary, she has helped build a culture where curiosity drives learning, student voices are heard, and every child sees themselves as an innovator.
Recognizing that meaningful change comes through collaboration, MacKensie has established long-standing partnerships with local businesses, professionals, and universities, bringing resources and mentorship directly into the school. Her leadership in securing grant funding and supporting staff has expanded STEM opportunities for all students while fostering a culture of inclusion where every child—multilingual learners, students with diverse learning needs, and beyond—feels welcome.
This past year, MacKensie guided her robotics team to a state championship and onto the global stage at VEX Worlds. But for her, the real victory lies in building confidence, sparking creativity, and preparing students for a future where adaptability and innovation are essential. Through teamwork and vision, her work is not only transforming one school but setting the stage for STEM growth across the district.
Darron Lamkin, Phd
Out-of-school time Category Finalist
Class Matters, Inc.
Dr. Darron Lamkin is a visionary leader in out-of-school time STEM education. Through his organization, Class Matters Inc., he creates transformative, identity-affirming STEM experiences for youth across Oklahoma City, especially those from underserved communities.
Darron’s work includes mentorship programs, community-based learning, and industry-aligned technical training that equips students with real-world skills and confidence. His philosophy centers on equity as a non-negotiable, ensuring students of color, girls, and first-generation learners see themselves as future STEM professionals.
One of his proudest achievements this past year was raising more than $70,000 to support students in building, coding, and showcasing their own robotics inventions—proving that when students are equipped and encouraged, they rise to the challenge with creativity and brilliance.
Elaine Hutchison
Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year High School Category Finalist
Okeene Junior/Senior High School, Okeene Public Schools
Elaine Hutchison, a National Board Certified teacher with 31 years of experience, has made a significant impact on STEM education in Oklahoma. After 24 years teaching math at Fairview Public Schools and serving as an AP Calculus professor at Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, Elaine is now developing a 7-12th grade STEM program at Okeene Jr/Sr High School.
A passionate advocate for rural education, Elaine integrates technology and hands-on projects into her teaching, utilizing tools like 3D printers and drones. Her dynamic classroom promotes advanced STEM concepts and problem-solving skills through inquiry-based learning and critical thinking activities such as coding Ozobots and creating LED cards.
Elaine extends her impact beyond the classroom with community initiatives like the “Whippet Wonders” newsletter and projects such as the Thanksgiving Robot Parade. Her emphasis on real-world applications and personal connection supports students’ transition from foundational STEM learning to specialized, career-oriented education. Her recognition as Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 2013 and the 2022 Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Medal highlights her profound influence on STEM education.
Ashley Henry
Elementary Category Finalist
Catalayah Elementary and Westside Elementary, Claremore Public Schools
Ashley Henry, with just two years of teaching experience, has already made a significant impact as a 3rd and 5th-grade teacher and after-school STEM club leader. As she transitions to the role of Innovation Lab (STEM) teacher, Ashley will extend her dynamic, technology-driven approach to students across two Claremore elementary schools this year.
Holding a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, Ashley is pursuing a Doctorate in Aviation and Space Education from Oklahoma State University. Her focus on aviation and space demonstrates her commitment to integrating advanced STEM concepts into her classroom and inspiring students to explore Oklahoma’s leading industries.
Ashley’s teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity and real-world application, crucial elements of effective STEM education for elementary students. By incorporating hands-on activities and technology integration, she helps young learners develop foundational STEM skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Her standout project, a solar eclipse event, connected classroom learning with real-world science, sparking student interest and laying a solid groundwork for future STEM exploration.
Ashley’s dedication to fostering curiosity and inclusivity in STEM ensures that all her students feel empowered to pursue their interests, setting a strong foundation for future STEM leaders.
Lisa Wada
Middle School Category Finalist
Central Middle School, Tulsa Public Schools
Lisa Wada, a dedicated 6th and 7th-grade science teacher at Central Middle School, has devoted nine years to cultivating STEM curiosity. As a single parent who earned her degrees later in life, Lisa champions hands-on learning and inclusivity, particularly for students with disabilities.
At her Title I school, where 82% of students are non-white, Lisa actively integrates real-world STEM applications, such as creating bird-friendly habitats, into her curriculum. This approach aligns with the key phases of middle school STEM education, where students build on their foundational knowledge with more complex problem-solving and inquiry-based learning.
Lisa brings diverse STEM professionals into her classroom, providing role models and reinforcing the value of STEM education. Her dedication to securing grants and participating in professional development ensures her students receive a robust and engaging STEM education, fostering a deep love for science and confidence in their potential as future STEM leaders.
Doris Biegler
Leadership Category Finalist
Lawton Public Schools
Doris Biegler exemplifies dedication and passion in STEM education. Raised in Oklahoma City, Doris has a deep understanding of the challenges her students face and is devoted to helping them overcome these obstacles.
As the Technology Trainer and MakerSpace Coordinator for Lawton Public Schools, Doris has played a pivotal role in advancing STEM education. Her work as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA and JPL, coupled with her recognition as NASA Oklahoma Aerospace Educator of the Year in 2019, highlights her substantial impact in the field.
Doris integrates essential phases of STEM education, from foundational skills in elementary grades to advanced problem-solving techniques in high school. Her collaborations with institutions like Cameron University and Fort Sill Army Post offer students invaluable hands-on experiences and real-world technical training, which are crucial for developing STEM identity and career readiness.
Her adept use of adaptive technologies and mentorship programs ensures that STEM opportunities are accessible to all students. Doris’s leadership in creating successful Makerspace programs, organizing robotics competitions, and incorporating AI into the curriculum reflects her commitment to a dynamic and inclusive STEM education environment. Her efforts not only enhance students’ technical skills but also strengthen their confidence and sense of identity in STEM fields.
Reese Hundley
Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year High School Category Finalist
Broken Arrow Public Schools
Reese Hundley embodies education in his very DNA as a third-generation teacher. His zeal for learning and growth drives him every day. With a rich background in outdoor exploration, history, and community engagement, he creates meaningful experiences for his students at Vanguard Academy, instilling a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. With an unwavering belief in the power of relationships, Reese emphasizes collaboration and diverse partnerships as the backbone of success. At Vanguard Academy, he co-teaches a groundbreaking, student-run “Design Rotation” class that empowers students to become problem-solving consultants using the Human-Centered Design process. By fostering connections with professionals, his students develop practical skills, ethical values, and resilience that go beyond textbooks.
Reese nurtures a culture of belonging and self-discovery in his classroom. Through hands-on experiences in outdoor education and environmental science, students connect with nature and each other, gaining a sense of purpose and camaraderie. He inspires his students to embrace STEM through irresistible experiences, fostering authentic engagement and self-awareness. Reese’s commitment to growth is evident through his self-reflective practices. He measures success not just by grades but by the growth of his students in knowledge, skill, creativity, and mindset. By celebrating achievements and fostering a collaborative learning environment, he guides students toward mastery and a lifelong love for learning.
Reese exemplifies the essence of a dedicated educator who imparts wisdom, curiosity, and empowerment to his students, helping them blossom into confident and capable individuals poised to impact their communities positively and beyond.
Heather Ross
Elementary Category Finalist
Union Public Schools
With nearly a decade of teaching experience, Heather Ross has cemented herself as a passionate advocate for holistic and engaging education. Her journey began with an Early Childhood Education degree from OU-Tulsa, where she was recognized with the “Outstanding Senior” award for cutting-edge work in constructivist pedagogy. While helping students transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten, Heather prioritizes play-based learning and welcomes pre-interns and interns into her classroom, nurturing future educators while supplying her school with potential candidates. An advocate for comprehensive child well-being, Heather pursued a master’s in Integrated Childhood Well-Being, aligning her interest in trauma-responsive teaching with a research project in association with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She plays a supportive role in the research by introducing an innovative approach that utilizes “loose parts” for mathematical exploration, enabling students to delve into profound understanding.
Beyond the classroom, Heather has formed partnerships with Global Gardens and Discovery Lab, intertwining science and STEM education with tangible experiences. From transforming her classroom into a doctor’s office to cultivating engagement through meaningful projects, she blends curriculum with real-world contexts. In the realm of assessment, Heather sets her sights beyond scores, capturing growth through anecdotes, multimedia, and student perspectives. Her commitment to fostering cognitive skills like collaboration and problem-solving underscores her dedication to genuine learning experiences.
As Heather continues her journey, her fervent dedication to authentic education, nurturing curiosity, and amplifying STEM learning paints a legacy of empowered learners who question, explore, and thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Amy Bracher
Middle School Category Finalist
Tulsa Public Schools
Amy Bracher is an exceptional educator who has dedicated 16 years to shaping young minds in the fields of Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science. Holding a degree in Pre-Med Biology from Hendrix College, she shifted her career aspirations to education and has since become a force in Tulsa’s educational landscape. Having taught at various institutions, including international schools in Bangkok, Amy brings a global perspective to her teaching. Her commitment to equitable education led her to be named the 2020-2021 Rogers MS Teacher of the Year and a TPS Semifinalist Teacher of the Year.
Amy firmly believes that every student possesses the ability to learn and grow, a philosophy she practices by accommodating diverse learning styles and providing multiple avenues for comprehension. She fosters collaboration among her students, drawing on her background in coaching soccer and cheerleading to encourage teamwork and varied perspectives. Her philosophy revolves around empowering students as independent thinkers and problem solvers. By encouraging collaboration and diversity of thought, she prepares her students for real-world challenges. She also champions equitable education by advocating through the Tulsa Parent Legislative Action Committee and securing funding for enriching experiences.
Amy makes STEM practical and accessible, infusing her curriculum with diverse voices and real-world scenarios. Her dedication is evident in her students’ smiles, the breakthroughs they experience, and the positive impact she’s had on education. In her pursuit to cultivate critical thinkers and STEM enthusiasts, she leaves an indelible mark on her students’ lives.
Debra Worley
Leadership Category Finalist
Choctaw-Nicoma Park School District
With an illustrious 27-year career in public education, Debra has navigated diverse roles – including high school math teacher, math department chair, district math specialist, high school assistant principal, and virtual school director. Rooted in Choctaw, she now serves as the District Director of STEM Education. Currently finalizing her doctoral dissertation in educational leadership at the University of Oklahoma, her dedication to student growth and learning is apparent. Her innovation-driven philosophy is evident through the expansion of STEM opportunities for all students. Embracing a holistic approach, Debra has orchestrated a symphony of engagement experiences through summer camps, after-school activities, family nights, and enriched STEM coursework. This multifaceted approach bolsters students’ capacity to become problem-solvers, deep thinkers, and innovative creators.
At the core of Debra’s philosophy is the belief that sparking an interest in STEM education is the first step toward nurturing future scholars. By creating an environment that seamlessly blends self-discovery, exploration, and tailored learning experiences, she fuels the flames of curiosity within each student. Her relentless pursuit of this goal is underscored by her leadership in hosting transformative events like a family STEM event that served more than 400 students and families across the district.
Debra’s dedication to fostering excellence, inspiring innovation, and instilling a lifelong love for learning reflects her enduring educational legacy. Through her leadership, empowerment, and unwavering commitment, she continues to meet students where they are and move them to want to know more.