Erin Nunley

Murfreesboro, TN | K-6, Science, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I am motivated to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching because I believe every student deserves the opportunity to develop skills that will prepare them for the future. Seeing students grow in confidence as they tackle challenges and discover connections between STEM and the world around them drives my passion. I am also inspired by the constantly evolving nature of STEM fields and the chance to build partnerships that connect students with real-world applications and career pathways.

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

One of the most transformative moments in my STEM teaching journey has been hearing from former students about how their experiences in my classroom inspired their love of science and helped them succeed in high school STEM courses. Watching them collaborate and problem-solve through projects in middle school was powerful, but seeing how that foundation sparked their continued passion and confidence in STEM has been even more rewarding. It affirms for me that STEM education builds empathy, creativity, and practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I hope to use my platform to advocate for equitable, engaging STEM opportunities for all students. I want to promote policies and practices that expand access to quality STEM education and encourage collaboration between educators and industry leaders. By sharing effective strategies and supporting teacher growth, I aim to help build a future where STEM empowers students nationwide to innovate and shape a better world.

Biography

Erin Nunley has been an educator for 22 years and currently teaches sixth grade at Oakland Middle School. Previously, she taught sixth grade at Overall Creek Elementary, a Tennessee STEM-designated school, and third through sixth grades at Black Fox Elementary. Throughout her career, Erin has championed STEM education, taking on leadership roles at the school and district levels. She has led initiatives including integrating 3D printing into classrooms and uses inquiry-based instruction centered around the Engineering Design Process. Erin helps students build 21st-century skills, connects them with community and collegiate partners, and encourages them to explore future careers. Erin has presented at multiple conferences, including the Middle Tennessee Math Conference on integrating mathematical tasks effectively into classroom instruction, twice at the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network Conference on fostering argumentation skills in students and the power of phenomena in the classroom, and at the National Council for Social Studies teachers on mind mapping. She has served on STEM committees at both the school and district levels and is excited to bring her passion for STEM to Oakland Middle School’s new STEM Club. Erin earned her B.S. in education from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 2002, her M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from MTSU in 2010, and is currently finishing her Ed.D. in school improvement at MTSU.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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