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Ten southeast Minnesota educators, including two from Albert Lea, were nominated for the 2024-25 Outstanding Educator Award hosted by STEM Forward (formerly RAMSP), which recognizes K-12 professionals who strive toward the highest levels of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) excellence within their schools and community, with a focus on initiative and continuous improvement in every aspect of their work.

According to a press release, Outstanding Educator recipients foster high K-12 student achievement, exhibit leadership and support for continuous improvement, promote STEM careers and demonstrate collaboration among K-12 schools, businesses and post-secondary education.

This year’s nominees are the following:

• Stacy Waltman, Albert Lea Public Schools
• Sara Mangan, Goodhue Public Schools
• Riley Buchheit, Stewartville Public Schools
• Nick Richmond, Red Wing Public Schools
• Mark Poppe, Austin Public Schools
• Josh Burton, Byron Public Schools
• Jeff Jenson, Albert Lea Public Schools
• Denine Voegeli, Plainview Elgin Millville Public Schools,
• Ashley Kaplan and Lindsey Hess, Kasson-Mantorville Public Schools

This award is presented by Southeast Service Cooperative’s STEM Forward. STEM Forward is a collaborative group of southeast Minnesota K-12 school districts, post-secondary partners, and community businesses IBM, Mayo Clinic, The Hormel Institute and Workforce Development Inc., who work together to promote STEM excellence.

The Outstanding Educator Awards event will be celebrated at the 33rd Annual STEM Forward Gathering on February 12, 2025 at The Workshop in Rochester.