Thomas Jenkins Jr.

Enon, OH | 7-12, Science, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I'm driven by a deep belief that STEM education can empower all students to invent, innovate, and shape their futures. Through decades of experience across classrooms, museums, and federal agencies, I’ve seen how high-quality STEM teaching can transform lives—especially for those historically underrepresented in these fields. That impact fuels my ongoing commitment to excellence.

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

While leading Greenon's MIT InvenTeam, I guided my students through a real-world invention process that culminated in earning a U.S. patent. Watching them transform from curious learners into confident inventors was deeply affirming. That moment, when their hard work was recognized nationally, confirmed how powerful authentic STEM experiences can be in changing students’ trajectories and identities as innovators.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I aim to amplify STEM education by empowering educators, building community partnerships, and expanding invention opportunities for all students. I’ll leverage my national network to inspire, innovate, and ensure every learner sees a future for themselves in STEM.

Biography

Thomas “Tom” Jenkins has spent the past 27 years inspiring students in eighth grade science and STEM at Greenon Junior/Senior High School and Schaefer Middle School. A National Board Certified Teacher, Tom is a member of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, an inductee of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, and a former Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, serving at the Department of Defense’s Naval Surface Warfare Center. Tom brings real-world science into the classroom through his experiences as a NASA SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassador and NOAA Teacher at Sea, helping students build data-driven critical thinking skills. Under his guidance, Greenon’s Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam developed a pollution-prevention device that earned a U.S. Patent with support from Microsoft’s #MakeWhatsNext campaign. Beyond the classroom, Tom has served as a Teaching Fellow for Johns Hopkins University, Lead Instructor at Air Camp, and as a program manager at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. He has mentored educators through roles at Wittenberg University, the Dayton Regional STEM Center, Teaching Channel and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He holds a Master of Science in Teaching and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Wright State University, as well as an Engineering Education Certificate from the University of Cincinnati.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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