TI Innovations in STEM Teaching Award

Sponsor: Texas Instruments Foundation

Purpose: Recognize a RISD educator who brings STEM to life in the classroom by engaging students, fueling creativity, strengthening academic and technological skills, and inspiring a love of learning.

Geographic Scope: Richardson Independent School District (RISD), Texas

Program Year: 2025-2026

About the Award

This award highlights the importance of high-quality STEM education and celebrates educators who are making a meaningful impact through innovative teaching. Their work helps students gain confidence, curiosity, and real-world skills that prepare them for future success.

About the Prize

Two Awards: One elementary educator and one secondary educator will each receive:

• $10,000 personal award
• STEM space makeover with professional development valued at $10,000

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible educators must:

• Level: Be an elementary or secondary educator
• Practice: Creatively use technology in their teaching
• Instruction: Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving through innovative questioning
• Engagement: Motivate and engage students in learning, especially in STEM-related courses
• Status: Be in good standing with Richardson ISD, with no active disciplinary actions
• Commitment: Plan to work in Richardson ISD in the 2026-2027 school year

Application Requirements

• Educators must complete the application for themselves
• A recommendation from your campus principal or department supervisor is required

Application Process

Application Questions:

1. How do you actively engage and motivate students in the learning process, particularly in STEM-related topics?
2. Describe a specific learning experience you've designed to develop the skills outlined in RISD's graduate profile in your students.
3. How have you fostered a love of STEM learning, and what increases in student outcomes have you observed as a result?
4. How do you collaborate with colleagues to strengthen STEM instruction, share effective strategies, or enhance STEM learning experiences for students?
5. Imagine you could dream big about transforming a classroom or space into a STEM hub. What would you create, how would students use it, and what difference would it make in their learning?

Requirements:

• Complete application yourself (self-nomination)
• Obtain a recommendation from your campus principal or department supervisor
• Submit through the Foundation's application portal