A Florida State University Schools teacher has received a national award for her innovative work in teaching science, technology, engineering and math.
Nancy Rosenbaum, a fifth-grade teacher at FSUS, received the 2018 June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Educator Award from the Challenger Center Thursday, May 10, in a presentation in front of her students, family and fellow teachers.
The award is named in honor of Challenger Center founding chair, June Scobee Rodgers, and recognizes an outstanding educator who understands the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and demonstrates enthusiasm and passion in teaching STEM subjects.
“My entire life has led me to this moment,” Rosenbaum said. “I grew up surrounded by the influence of science, technology, engineering and mathematics — the subjects that unite to create STEM. I am extremely honored to receive this reward. Over the past 12 years of my teaching career, I have witnessed hundreds of children touched by the educational programs the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee provides.”
Rosenbaum, who graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s in early childhood education, was nominated by the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee and has taught fifth grade since 2009.
She coordinates STEM fairs at FSUS for all K-5 students and their families to learn more about the value of STEM education and careers. In 2013, Rosenbaum started and currently chairs an elementary science committee where she has planned professional development for teachers, researched supplemental resources and started the FSUS Elementary Family Science Night.
Rosenbaum received a $2,500 award during a presentation at Florida State University Schools where she was recognized by FSUS Principal Angela Wills and representatives from Challenger Center and Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee. More than 90 of Rosenbaum’s fifth graders attended the presentation; some even shared their own experience as students.
“Since being my science teacher, she has made me grow to love science a lot by making her lessons fun and understandable,” said fifth grader Keegan Flury. “She has set up opportunities for us to learn about science in cool and interesting ways.”
This is the second year Challenger Learning Center has presented the June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Educator award. Nominations were made by centers around the world.
“We received nominations for teachers from Challenger Learning Centers across the country and were once again reminded of the exceptional work by teachers like Nancy Rosenbaum,” said Denise Kopecky, director of education at Challenger Center. “Nancy’s nomination stood out for several reasons; one being her incredible understanding of how critical STEM education is for today’s students and that what we teach children today will impact our society in the future.”
About Challenger Center
As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides more than 250,000 students annually with experiential education programs that engage students in hands-on learning opportunities. These programs, delivered in Challenger Learning Centers and classrooms, strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L. For more information about Challenger Center, please visit www.challenger.org or connect on Facebook and Twitter.
