Rhonda Stovall

Saint Louis, MO | K-6, Science, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

My motivation to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching is due to my desire to provide equity in science to all students. Many schools do not have the financial resources and opportunities to promote STEM education, therefore the quality of education that students receive varies from district to district. I want my students to understand that the financial resources of the school does not dictate their success in STEM. It is their motivation, dedication, and commitment to learning science.

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

The most transformative moment in my career that affirmed my impact in STEM education would be receiving the PAEMST award. I have been truly blessed to have received several awards and accolades for my educational practices and STEM. However, this award signifies that my dedication, as well as my sacrifices both personally and professionally have been acknowledged. Being selected by a panel of experts in their respective fields and chosen by the President of the United States is an honor beyond words. To join a cohort of teachers that collectively strive to improve the education of all students is true recognition and affirmation that I have an impact in STEM education in my district and community.

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

As a presidential awardee, it is my hope to advance our nation in STEM through advocacy and promotion. On a local level, I will continue to have a voice in how STEM is taught in my district, as well as collaborate with others to create opportunities for all stakeholders. On a state and national level, I will continue to participate in professional development and mentorship programs focused on the advancement of STEM in our nation. Through networking, I hope to have a voice in STEM practices.

Biography

Rhonda Stovall has been an educator for 24 years and has taught at Gateway MST Elementary School for 19 years. She previously taught at Farragut Elementary School for two years and at Sherman Elementary School for her first three years as a teacher. Rhonda has been a science enrichment lab teacher for the past eight years. In her classroom, Rhonda designs explore labs that allow students to rotate between different stations that are reflective of NGSS standards and three dimensional engineering practices. She also promotes STEM education through the use of science trade books and literature to engage students using their prior knowledge and experiences to connect with phenomena. Rhonda's love and dedication for education goes beyond the classroom setting. Within the district, she is the science facilitator in her building. She is a mentor to beginning and tenured classroom teachers across the district. She is a teacher leader in science for the district and has helped write the district's science curriculum for three years. She is a member of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), is an executive board member for Science Teachers of Missouri, and is a member of the Teacher Advisory Committee for the St. Louis Americans Newspapers in Education (NIE) program. She also is a member of the Association of Presidential Awardees in Science Teaching. Rhonda has a B.A. in elementary education from Harris Stowe State College. She is certified in mild/moderate behavior disorders and mild/moderate learning disabilities. She has a Master's degree in special education as an instructional specialist from Arkansas State University. She also has an Education Specialist degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University. She currently is pursuing her doctorate.

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.