Awards
The Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science presents awards annually. The Catalyst Award is the highest honor NATS bestows each year. NATS also has recognized nominees and winners of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching (PAEMST) since 1983. The GW Brown Pinnacle Award is presented by Gary Brown.
The CATALYST AWARD is given annually at the Fall Conference by the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science. The Catalyst Award recognizes “contributions to science education in Nebraska.”
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2024 Catalyst Winners
Betsy Barent - Curriculum Specialist for Science, Lincoln Public Schools
"Betsy has a fierce kindness quality that is apparent through her passionate leadership in science education in Nebraska for many years...Betsy has presented many times at NATS and NSTA, served as the NATS President, and as a member of NSELA. She has proudly represented our state and organization at the statewide, regional, and national levels for many years. I can think of no better catalyst in this state right now than Betsy Barent."
Erin Ingram - Associate Director, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
​"Erin uses her systems thinking knowledge as a way to think about big changes to STEM education so that ALL students in NE can be engaged in STEM. Her passion has brought about numerous opportunities for students who come from traditionally marginalized communities and has created partnerships that resulted in programs such as Garden Tools Project, Paradigm Shifters, and Milkweed in the Classroom. These projects have reached and transformed PreK-12 teachers, PreK-12 students, and University of Nebraska faculty, staff, and students."​
Do you know a deserving teacher or group? Nominate them for the Catalyst award!
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the nation's highest honor for teachers of science. Only one science teacher per state is awarded each year.
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In Even Years, a K-6 Teacher is awarded.
In Odd Years, a 7-12 Teacher is awarded.
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Do you know a deserving teacher? Nominate them for the PAEMST award!
PAEMST
GW Brown Company Pinnacle Award
Presented by Gary Brown to recognize outstanding leadership in Science Education.
Each recipient receives a plaque and an antique microscope from Gary's collection.
2015 - Ed Brogie
2014 - Dr. Kirsten Smith
2013 - Dr. Sally Harms
2012 - Jim Woodland
2011 - Dr. Joan Christen
2010 - Dan Sitzman
2009 - Ross Dinwiddie