Courtney Selph

Brockwell, AR | K-6, Science, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I’m motivated by the chance to spark curiosity and confidence in students through real-world, hands-on STEM learning. Every child deserves access to engaging, inclusive STEM experiences that build problem-solving skills and self-belief. Watching students grow into capable thinkers and innovators inspires me to continually improve and help prepare the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

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

A transformative moment in my STEM teaching came during a student-led project where middle and high schoolers collaborated to design a rain garden to solve a real drainage issue on campus. Students applied engineering design, tested solutions, and created something meaningful for their community. The most powerful moment was when a student who struggled in traditional academics confidently explained the science behind the project to a school board member. It affirmed how real-world STEM builds voice, confidence, and leadership.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I aim to use this platform to elevate student and educator voices, especially in rural and underrepresented communities. I’m committed to expanding access to hands-on, real-world STEM experiences and mentoring others to build sustainable, inclusive programs. By connecting STEM to environmental literacy and local problem-solving, I hope to empower all students to see themselves as future leaders and innovators.

Biography

Courtney Leigh Selph is currently Izard County School's District STEM Coordinator. Previously, she taught third and fourth grade science at Izard County Consolidated Elementary School. She spent the first five years of her 14-year teaching career at Izard County Consolidated teaching all subjects in a self-contained third grade classroom. When Courtney was in the classroom, she strove to incorporate STEM-based learning experiences into her daily instruction with a strong focus on the Engineering Design Process. Her students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and interact with the school and the local community to solve meaningful, real-life problems. Courtney led an initiative to integrate STEM-based learning practices throughout Izard County Consolidated. She has presented STEM and Makerspace professional development for her school district and works closely with the local educational cooperative to plan focused professional development opportunities based on the specific needs of her rural school district. Courtney is a school STEM leader in the Arkansas STEM Model Program and has represented her school by serving as a panel member at the statewide level. She is a member of the Arkansas State Teachers Association (ASTA), the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Courtney has a B.S. in elementary education from Arkansas Tech University and has received National Board Certification as a middle childhood generalist.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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