WSTA Offers three monetary awards and scholarships to promote and recognize the efforts of science teachers in Washington State. Learn more about the three awards and how to apply below!
WSTA Excellence in Science Teaching
WSTA is committed to rewarding excellence in science education in Washington state. As part of this effort, we annually recognize up to eight educators, selected from the categories of early childhood education, elementary school, middle school, high school, higher education, and informal science education. Awardees will receive local and state recognition, a one-year membership to WSTA, an honorarium of $500 to be spent at their discretion as well as other benefits.
Applications are will open to all Washington educators on January 1, 2025 and will be due June 30, 2025.
Eligibility:
Five or more years of science education experience
Current employment as a part or full-time educator of science at the pre-K,
elementary, middle, secondary, or higher education level or informal science educator in Washington State.
Demonstrated Qualities:
Promoting culturally responsive science education practices for underrepresented groups, including racial and ethnic identities
Promotion of science education beyond the classroom
Excitement and enthusiasm for teaching science
Evidence of positive impact on student learning
Current or past participation in local or state science activities or professional development
WSTA in partnership with the Washington Department of Ecology is committed to teaching in ways the support our environment in terms of green chemistry and sustainable design. Any Washington state K-12 teacher who employs green chemistry or sustainable design of materials lessons and units in their classroom is eligible to apply. Please be prepared to submit a lesson or unit as an example of your teaching. Winners will receive a $500 honorarium and free registration for the fall WSTA Conference.
Applications will open to all Washington educators January 1, 2025 and will be due July 31, 2025.
Eligibility:
Current employment as a part or full-time educator at the pre-K, elementary, middle, or secondary level in Washington State.
Demonstrated Qualities:
Related resources:
Peggy Vatter Memorial Leadership Scholarship
In recognition of the outstanding contributions of past and present outstanding leaders in science education, WSTA may elect to grant annual leadership scholarships. Applications are due June 30th of each year.
Interested individuals and/or teams are invited to submit a proposal. The proposal should outline what you would do if you were awarded this scholarship. In addition, the applicant(s) will need to provide 2 letters of recommendation. The letters can come from a supervisor, colleague, or community partner that identifies how the applicant will benefit professionally from this award. Up to $2,000 in scholarship funds are available each year. Recipients will need to submit tangible evidence that the scholarship funds were used as proposed within one month of completing their proposed coursework.
A. One pre-service teacher (with preference given to educators of underrepresented students in science - (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander and women) with an intent to become certified in science education or in elementary education with an emphasis in science, at an accredited college, university, or alternative certification program in Washington State. Funds must be used to defray tuition or certification program costs.
OR
B. One or more certified teacher(s) from a school and/or school district who show intent to improve their content knowledge and/or pedagogical ability in science education by attending science coursework offered from colleges, universities, Educational Service Districts and/or organizations who meet WSTA’s goals and vision (with preference given to educators of underrepresented students in science (African American, Black, Latinx, Indigenous American, Asian, Pacific Islander, women, and LGBTQ+) .