It is an honor to receive this highest level of recognition in science education. My passion for science has grown over the years. This award validates all the time and effort in creating a STEM-enriched curriculum. All of these efforts are recognized not only by the School City of Mishawaka but now to be recognized on a national level is beyond my wildest imagination. This gives me the confidence and support to continue my chosen career path as an educator.

Sara Hoover Mishawaka, IN | K-6, Science, 2020

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Sara Hoover has been teaching for School City of Mishawaka for 21 years as a second grade teacher with three years at LaSalle Elementary, one year at Liberty Elementary, and then the last 17 years at Beiger Elementary School. This fall was her first year in the new Project Lead The Way (PLTW) position at Beiger Elementary where she teaches kindergarten through sixth grade. Sara has specialized in science and has expanded this into other grade levels by initiating STEM camps along with training colleagues in School City of Mishawaka. Sara has mentored colleagues in STEM with a grant through Purdue University. She also serves as a member of the Indiana Department of Education STEM Cadre, which helps with school STEM certification, STEM curriculum, and state plans. Sara’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. She completed her Ford Next Generation Learning project-based learning certification, is a member of the instructional leadership team, and is a leader for the technology professional learning community at her school. Sara piloted PLTW along with being certified as a launch and a lead teacher. Students in Sara’s classroom look forward to studying the life cycle of plants and animals. She engages her students in many hands-on activities with butterflies, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, and plant life. The life cycle of chickens involves the incubation of chickens and observing their growth from egg to chick. This is done both in the classroom and by webcam. It has become a classroom favorite and is enjoyed by others in the entire school and community. It has been adopted by other second grade teachers in their classrooms as well. Sara has a B.A. in education and an M.Ed. from Indiana University. She is certified in elementary education with a minor in reading.

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