Daniel Sitzman

Omaha, NE | 7-12, Science, 2003

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

My parents influenced me with opportunities to explore the natural world, to understand how humans impact the environment, and to never stop learning. My teachers, including one of the first Presidential Awardees, supported me and my classmates. My mentors challenged me to collaborate. State and national organizations connected me with diverse educators. They all inspire me to pay it forward to help all youth, regardless of background, with opportunities to pursue their passions in STEM.

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

During a professional development trip in 2016, several of us brainstormed opportunities to engage students in field research, combining my professional passion for quality science pedagogy with my individual background in the outdoors. Introducing 20 urban students who reflected the makeup of the community, to a different environment, away from home, but together with peers who share similar interests, I witnessed the elevation of understanding of the scientific process as well as the emotional value of natural environments. Later, this experience transferred to local areas where all students and teachers performed additional relevant science field research and appreciated the flora, fauna, and environment near their own homes and schools.

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

As a 2003 awardee greeted by the president in the White House, I vowed to serve Omaha, the state of Nebraska, and American science education through many hours of service at the district, state and national levels, something that I continue to do even after retiring as a teacher. As an awardee, it is important to listen to others, to ask meaningful questions, and to encourage students and other educators. Now working in informal STEM education, my venue is different, but the goals are the same.

Biography

Daniel (Dan) Sitzman joined the Omaha Public Schools in 1991 as an eighth grade science teacher at J. Sterling Morton Junior High where he first was recognized as a Presidential Award state finalist in 1997. After eight years at Morton, Dan transferred to Omaha North High Magnet School, teaching biology and chemistry when he received the 2003 Presidential Award in the Science category. Dan then served as Curriculum Specialist at Omaha North for 12 years. He remained directly involved with students as co-sponsor for the school's Science Olympiad and Science Bowl teams and Science Fair students and director/teacher of Omaha North STEM Summer Camps. From 2015 until 2022, Dan served as a districtwide Science Instructional Coach, then returned to the classroom for one year. Retired from classroom teaching, Dan now serves as Education Manager at Kiewit Luminarium. He continues to advocate for and mentor student STEM researchers, including many who have presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences. His professional leadership at the local, state, and national level includes terms as President of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences, Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science, and Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair. Dan has presented at National Science Teaching Association's national and regional conferences, Magnet Schools of America, and many state conferences. He has been published in Science Scope and The Learning Professional. He currently serves on boards for Nebraska Science Festival and Nebraska Science Olympiad. For two decades, he taught at University of Nebraska-Omaha's Aim for the Stars Summer STEM Camps. Dan earned a B.S. in natural science from St. John's University (MN) and an M.S. in curriculum and instruction from University of Nebraska-Omaha.

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.