Nicole Yemothy

Easley, SC | 7-12, Science, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I LOVE the excitement and energy that radiates from my students when we are investigating and exploring science in our learning world. It is what feeds my teacher soul and drives me each day to keep bringing science alive for them.

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

Being an Albert Einstein Fellow for the Department of Defense Air & Space Forces K12 STEM program, was one of the most impactful years in my nearly two decades of teaching. Throughout my fellowship year, I traveled across the USA hosting 17 STEM based teacher workshops and providing needed supplies to nearly 500 educators. Feeding the teachers hunger for STEM education with professional development and supplies coast to coast was one of those “I really made a difference” moments.

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

It has been a dream to create a STEM learning center in my community. I want to create a place where kids can come explore and learn through hands-on activities and projects that are not readily available in their classrooms.

Biography

Nicole Yemothy now teaches STEM DIY and Marine Biology along with being the yearbook advisor at Wenatchee High School in Washington State following 18 years teaching middle school math, science, and yearbook publication. Nicole served as a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) STEM teacher at Richard H. Gettys Middle School for seven years, where she organized and led collaborative district activities as the Secondary Level STEM Lead. She also served as advisor to both Gettys' STEM Club and HOSA chapter. Nicole worked internationally in Panama for five years as the Technology Coordinator at the International School of Panama and Magen David Academy. She started her teaching career at Mill Creek Middle School teaching grade-level mathematics and science, and yearbook. To enrich her science teacher spirit, Nicole participated in a 21-day professional development program with the Morpho Institute and Explorama, where she was immersed in the Amazon Rainforest and explored the Machu Picchu region. Nicole was a Department of Defense Albert Einstein Fellow for the 2022-2023 school year. Nicole served on the SC Million Women Mentors Board of Directors. As a two-time finalist for the SC STEM Teacher of the Year, she also serves on the SC STEM Leadership Coalition. During the summer, she trains teachers nationwide as a PLTW Master Teacher. Nicole earned a B.S. in mathematics and science from Indiana University. She has an M.S. in educational technology integration and Ed.D. in teacher leadership, both from Walden University. Nicole earned her STEAM endorsement through Clemson University’s Teacher Learning Program and plans to complete a M.S. in STEAM. She is a certified, highly-qualified middle school mathematics and science teacher with four PLTW STEM certifications and CTE endorsements.

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.