Congratulations to the 2023 recipient, Kristine Zwerlein-Rose!
Kristine Zwerlein-Rose obtained a joint degree – BA, Cum Laude in Health and Human Servicesand Psychology from SUNY at Buffalo. She earned her Master of Social Work degree, Cum Laudeat New York University. She is being honored for her role in 2020-2023 as Saturday SchoolProgram Director at Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy, a public school in Baltimore City.
This Saturday Academy supports students, teachers and parents with an educational program involving community partners to provide instruction in science, art, and dance. Ms. Zwerlein-Rose turned to the Maryland Science Center and its Traveling Science Program as the source for science activities. TSP staff and materials visited the school on Saturdays providing students within formal STEM lessons and modeling those instructional techniques for parents and teachers.
The Outstanding Maryland STEM Educator Award is given to an elementary or middle school Maryland educator in a STEM field that demonstrates a focus on a hands-on, inquiry-driven teaching technique that engages students to develop creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The recipient will be awarded $1,000, as well as $500 for classroom supplies, a free MSC program, and a MSC family membership
Past Recipients
2019Daisy Rayela
Daisy Rayela, STEM Coordinator and STEM Educator at Thomas Johnson Middle School in Lanham, shows an amazing level of advocacy in promoting and advancing the cause of quality science. Her submitted lesson plan demonstrates the best of what and how students learn and reveals a deep understanding of how to develop the skills and understandings needed to support a complex process. She provides training in afterschool clubs, helping to expand student experiences in STEM areas and STEM careers. She also organizes and provides training for Prince George’s County teachers.
She has cultivated relationships between STEM professionals, students and parents and encourages students to get involved in STEM programs outside of the school day, creating situations for students to interact with a wide range of STEM professionals through field trips and inviting professionals into her classroom.