Amber Cordova

Casa Grande, AZ | 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 in preparing students for an ever-evolving and unknown future. Integrated STEM learning provides students with more than just academic knowledge—it empowers them with skills, including communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. My passion lies in equipping students with the tools they need to navigate challenges, innovate solutions, and thrive in a world that demands adaptability and ingenuity.

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

The most transformative moment that affirmed my impact on STEM education was receiving an award presented by a former student. During the presentation, he spoke about how my integration of STEM sparked his interest and motivated him to pursue related opportunities in middle school and beyond. He specifically mentioned how I had created a classroom environment that welcomed curiosity, encouraged risk-taking, and celebrated creativity. He also shared that our classroom helped shape his confidence and problem-solving approach. Hearing how those experiences had a lasting impact on his educational path was a powerful reminder that the work we do as STEM educators can truly inspire, influence, and empower students 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 advocate for increased STEM teaching at the elementary level. Too often, science and math are pushed aside to make room for reading instruction, but we don’t have to choose one over the other. By integrating STEM with literacy and other content areas, we can provide richer, more engaging learning experiences. Early exposure to STEM builds critical skills and better prepares students to think creatively and solve problems in a rapidly changing world.

Biography

Amber Cordova has been an educator for over 17 years. She joined Ironwood Elementary School two years ago as an instructional coach and the K-5 Science Coordinator for Casa Grande Elementary District. She spent the previous five years as a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Casa Grande Elementary School District’s gifted and talented program, WINGS. She previously taught fourth grade mathematics and science in Oklahoma for one and a half years and middle school science in Colorado for one year. Amber does not believe that learning is linear in nature. She works to redefine the "educational box" and creates opportunities where her students can redefine that box for themselves. She works to incorporate robotics, creativity, and maker activities into the science curriculum. Amber values hands-on learning so much that she created a school makerspace with grant funds awarded from Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service, and DonorsChoose. Amber continuously seeks opportunities to work with others to develop her efficacy as an educator. She participates in many professional learning communities within and outside of her district. She works with new teachers as a mentor and facilitates their professional development. Amber has presented sessions on STEAM education, formative and summative assessments in science, makerspaces, science discourse, science and engineering practices, and the integration of cross-cutting concepts within her district and Pinal County. Amber earned a B.S. in social science from Colorado State University and an M.Ed. in elementary education from the University of Phoenix. Amber is certified in kindergarten through eighth grade elementary education, sixth through eighth grade middle grades general science, and has a gifted endorsement in grades PK-12.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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