RIDE Calls for STEAM Educator Award Applications, Nominations

Published on Monday, June 10, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) announced today that applications are open for the annual Rhode Island STEAM Educator Award, presented by the Rhode Island STEAM Center at Rhode Island College. The award application comes ahead of STEAM Month in November.

“Supporting STEAM education in Rhode Island schools plays a crucial role in the success of the state’s workforce and economic development,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We are grateful for the teachers who go into the classroom every day, dedicating their time to their students’ achievement and ensuring Rhode Island remains a national leader in innovation, technology, and creativity.”

“We are proud to once again recognize the state’s most innovative STEAM educators,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Engaging students in diverse coursework that allows them to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills expands their world view, encourages them to come to school every day, and sets them up for success in school and beyond. As such, we are honored to highlight the STEAM educators and provide the recognition they deserve.”

Rhode Island STEAM Month highlights the importance of learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art+Design, and Mathematics, as well as celebrating opportunities in these fields offered in Rhode Island schools. The STEAM Educator Award will be presented to one elementary educator (grades PK-5), one middle school educator (grades 6-8), and one high school educator (grades 9-12) whose innovative and captivating lessons spark creativity, curiosity and problem-solving skills in their students.

The STEAM Educator Award is presented in memory of Dr. Carol Giuriceo, who served as the center’s director since 2013 and organized the first STEAM Educator Award. Dr. Giuriceo passed away in 2021 after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

“Here at the Rhode Island STEAM Center, we are proud to honor Carol and her dedication to the center through this annual award,” said RI STEAM Center Director Dr. Lisa Bain. “By recognizing the devotion to the STEAM field that these educators hold, we are allowing Carol’s legacy to live on.” 

Along with recognition in November, the winners will receive a STEAM Educator Award from the PPL Foundation. This award recognizes teachers that who demonstrate excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects through $1,000 classroom grants to spend on materials and equipment for projects and other activities, as well as a $500 personal award.

“Preparing Rhode Island students with the skills they need to excel in STEAM areas is critical to Rhode Island’s clean energy future,” said Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy. “Through the PPL Foundation, we are proud to support the Rhode Island STEAM Center and the outstanding teachers whose creative work encourages students to excel in these fields.”

RIDE encourages schools and other educational organizations to schedule events and activities to recognize STEAM Month in November that immerse students and their families in hands-on learning and elevate the importance of STEAM education.

Nominees and applicants for the STEAM Educator Award must be a full-time PK-12 teacher, employed in a public school in Rhode Island, with at least three years of experience in teaching. Educators are able to self-nominate by applying directly. Applications are due by October 25, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Further details, including the application link, can be accessed here. 

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