What are the Delaware STEM Educator Awards?
The Delaware STEM Educator Awards recognize a teacher or team of teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels of both traditional public & private schools and community programming that demonstrate STEM innovation and excellence through teaching, academic collaboration, and student engagement. Applicants for this award include science (all fields), mathematics (all fields), computer science, engineering, and CTE educators. At least three unrestricted cash awards of up to $7,500 will be given to each first-place winning teacher or team of teachers. To learn more about the awards, please read this article about the 9th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards.
2025 Delaware STEM Educator Awards Registration
The 2025 Delaware STEM Educator Awards are tentatively scheduled for November 13, 2025 at Buena Vista, a Delaware Country Estate. Event registration will be posted here when available for both in-person and livestream attendees.
Honoring Past Winners of the Delaware STEM Educator Awards (2014-2024)
Award Information and Eligibility
Definitions – The Delaware STEM Council’s and Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education’s (DFSME) definition of STEM education and the Council’s three goals are the basis for the preliminary evaluation of exemplary STEM practice in the classroom.
Definition of STEM: STEM Education is an approach to teaching and learning that emphasizes integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for all students through student-focused, problem-based curricula and instruction. STEM education fosters creativity and innovation while developing communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills through a focus on authentic and appropriate contexts in curriculum and assessment.
STEM Council Goals:
- Expand the number of Delaware students who ultimately pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields and broaden the participation of women and minorities in these fields;
- Expand the STEM capable workforce to create, grow and attract STEM-related businesses to Delaware;
- Increase STEM literacy for all Delaware students including those who pursue non-STEM related careers, but need STEM skills.
Eligibility – Applicants can be certified K-12 teachers in the Delaware public & private school systems as well as exceptional educators who may be uncertified but still work with K-12 students in a focused STEM curriculum. Such a curriculum (science, math, engineering, technology, computer science and CTE) must still meet all expectations and goals of the Delaware STEM Council, as listed above. Programs can include before and after-school programs, weekend programming as well as summer camps. Preference is given to published STEM curriculums and programs that have been vetted, sustainable STEM programs and activities that have impacted many and can be replicated and scaled across the state and beyond.
Incomplete applications or those submitted without following the specified guidelines will be automatically disqualified. Ensure that your application communicates the information you intend. Submit all application materials and questions to Daniel Suchenski, the Executive Director of the Delaware STEM Council, to DelawareSTEMAwards (at) gmail [dot] com. Completed applications and all supporting materials will be accepted on a rolling basis but must be received by August 15, 2025.
Are you a Delaware STEM educator and considering applying for the Delaware STEM Educator Awards?
- Please watch this video to learn why you should apply today here.
- Here is an article on a past winner and their experiences with the award here
- Here is another posting from a past winner and their advice for future winner here
The Application information is below. Please be aware that the Delaware STEM Educator Awards have split up the application process into two sections – Section 1 and Section 2. It is encouraged to complete and submit Section 1 as soon as possible.
Delaware STEM Educator Award Sponsorship
Considering being a sponsor of the awards? Please see this video on YouTube and consider highlighting the great works of Delaware’s STEM Educators here. Contact Daniel Suchenski by email: DelawareSTEMAwards (at) gmail [dot] com if you are interested in being a sponsor!
Delaware STEM Educator Award Application
2025 Delaware STEM Educator Awards Application Section 1
2025 Delaware STEM Educator Awards Application Section 2
Additional Instructions for Applying Using Fillable Adobe PDFs
2024 (10th Annual) Delaware STEM Educator Awards Full Event Video
This is a recording from the 10th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards livestream recorded at Buena Vista in 2024. The 2025 Delaware STEM Educator Awards will be held in person as well as livestreamed.