Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award Grant

The Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award honors K-12 science educators who demonstrate innovative teaching practices in science education. Funded by the National Science Teachers Association, this award recognizes six exemplary teachers annually, providing them with financial support for travel and a plaque. Awardees are expected to present at the NSTA National Conference, showcasing their innovative approaches and contributing to the advancement of science education for future generations.

The Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award will recognize exemplary innovation in the field of science education. This award acknowledges teachers who share Robert Yager’s passion for education and continued professional development. This award also honors Robert Yager’s effort to make excellent science education accessible to students of the 21st century and beyond. Awardees will have exhibited exemplary innovation in the field of science education, and embody the mission statement of NSTA.
Funding
Six awardees will be selected annually. The individual awardees will receive a $1,000 award, up to $1,000 for travel expenses to attend the NSTA National Congress on Science Education, and a plaque. They will be asked to present at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education, with their presentation videotaped for future use. The awardees will be invited to attend and present at their grade band share‐a‐thon at the National Conference, attend the district director meet and greet, attend and participate in their NSTA District Director Leadership retreat.

Eligibility

Individuals who apply for this award must be a current K‐12 classroom science educator in one of NSTA’s districts. The eligible districts have a rotation cycle that includes six (6) districts per cycle as follows:2023–24, Districts II, IV, VIII, X, XIV, XVI are eligible this cycle. 2024–25, Districts III, V, IX, XI, XV, XVII 2025–26, Districts I, VI, VII, XII, XIII, and XVIIINSTA Districts:I – CT, MA, RI II – ME, NH, VTIII – DE, DC, MD  IV – NJ, NY, PA V – AL, GA, FL, PRVI – NC, SC, TNVII – AR, LA, MS VIII – KY, VA, WV IX – MN, ND, SD X – IN, MI, OHXI – KS, MO, NE XII – IL, IA, WIXIII – NM, OK, TX XIV – AZ, CO, UTXV – ID, MT, WYXVI – CA, HI, NV, AS, GU, TPIXVII – AK, OR, WAXVIII – Canada