Kitten Vaa

Mountlake Terrace, WA | K-6, Science, 2016

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I’m committed to teaching young students to be thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and curious learners— especially in a world experiencing rapid environmental and social change. My passion lies in designing culturally relevant, inquiry-based learning that connects STEM to real-world challenges, particularly in areas like sustainability and environmental justice.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

A transformative moment in my STEM journey was working with the University of Washington and Ambitious Science Teaching project, focusing on integrating scientific modeling and argumentation with K–2 learners. I saw young students engage in rich, evidence-based discussions — constructing models, sharing ideas, and revising their thinking through peer feedback. It affirmed that rigorous, equitable science learning can begin early and that all students, regardless of age, are capable of engaging in authentic scientific practices.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

I’m committed to advancing global STEM education by connecting students and educators across cultures. My Fulbright research in Finland explored how nature-based, student-centered, and sustainability-focused learning fosters scientific thinking, empathy, and agency. My goal is to empower young learners with critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and a strong sense of place. STEM must cultivate not only knowledge, but also compassion, responsibility, and hope for a sustainable future.

Biography

Kitten Vaa is an innovative second-grade teacher with over 20 years of experience, committed to advancing STEM education in early childhood. She earned her Master’s in Teaching from City University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington. Recognized for her leadership and innovation, Kitten was selected as a 2025 Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research participant. During her research in Finland, she explored sustainability education, nature-based learning, and emotional resilience, resulting in the creation of sustainability-focused instructional tools that enable young learners to engage actively with environmental issues at both local and global levels. Kitten has contributed to science education through her leadership in state and national initiatives. She co-authored the Ambitious Science Teaching 2nd Grade Earth’s Systems unit, exemplifying her commitment to developing rigorous, inquiry-based curricula. Additionally, she is featured in the Teaching Channel series Scientific Argumentation in the Early Grades, showcasing her expertise in fostering critical thinking and communication skills in young scientists. Kitten continues to seek opportunities to grow her practices to strengthen STEM education for K–2 students and inspire young learners to explore science with curiosity and teamwork.

High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
Awardee holding Presidential certificate between Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer, Michael Kratsios, and National Science Foundation Director, Dr. France A. Córdova.
High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.