Kristin Michalski

East Troy, WI | 7-12, Science, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I am motivated to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching because I want to help students and future teachers see themselves as science thinkers. I am passionate about designing engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and make science meaningful and accessible. Additionally, connecting and collaborating with fellow educators, sharing innovative practices, and engaging in leadership roles continually inspire me to grow professionally and to advocate for strong STEM education.

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

Receiving the PAEMST was an incredible honor, but more importantly, it gave me a chance to reflect on my years in the classroom helping students grow into confident, curious science learners. It also gave me the confidence to step into higher education and use my experience to mentor pre-service teachers. It changed how I see my own voice and leadership in STEM. Supporting future educators as they build their skills and develop their teaching practice has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career. The award reminded me that my work as a classroom teacher matters, not only to students, but also to the next generation of teachers, and it continues to inspire me to advocate for strong, inclusive STEM education at every level.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I hope to empower educators by sharing practical strategies, building networks, and providing resources that help them engage students in critical thinking, problem-solving, and making real-world connections with STEM. By supporting teachers in designing meaningful lessons and sparking curiosity, we can help students see STEM as relevant to their lives and futures. This is how we can build a nation ready for innovation, scientific literacy, and a strong STEM workforce.

Biography

Kristin Michalski dedicated 31 years to inspiring students as a science educator, retiring from the K-12 classroom after a career marked by innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to STEM excellence. She spent her last decade teaching at East Troy High School, following 20 years at Mukwonago High School. Currently, Kristin teaches physics at Alverno College and a STEM methods course for pre-service teachers at Marquette University, where she also serves as a University Supervisor, supporting and evaluating student teachers. As a teacher and team leader, Kristin is dedicated to guiding both veteran and new educators, sharing her expertise, and building collaborative professional communities. An active leader in the science education community, she co-coordinated the Milwaukee Area Physics Share group, mentored teachers through UW-Milwaukee’s Research Experience for Teachers, and served as President of the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST). During her K-12 career, she taught Physics, AP Physics, Physical Science, and PLTW Principles of Engineering for grades 9-12, always engaging students with scientific phenomena and encouraging critical thinking and curiosity beyond the classroom. She was committed to offering authentic research experiences, founding the East Troy High School Science Research Internship in partnership with Raicu Labs at UW-Milwaukee. Her students earned recognition through multiple awards in UW-Madison’s “Wonders of Physics” video contest. Kristin holds a B.S. in Broadfield Science from UW-Milwaukee and an M.S. in Physics Teaching from UW-River Falls. She is certified in physics, broadfield science, earth and space science, and biology/life science, and is a proud National Board Certified Teacher.

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.