Katheryn Kennedy

Morristown, NJ | K-6, Science, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I’m motivated by STEM’s power to inspire curiosity and critical thinking. As a classroom teacher and instructional coach, I support both students and colleagues to improve learning. Leading curriculum development lets me create engaging, equitable STEM experiences. I’m driven by the chance to prepare students for future challenges, helping them become innovative thinkers and responsible citizens.

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

One of the most transformative moments in my STEM teaching career came when a former student reached out to share that they were pursuing a science degree in college. What made this moment especially powerful was that this student wasn’t one I initially expected to follow a STEM path. Hearing that they felt supported and genuinely excited about science during my class was incredibly affirming. It reminded me that every student has potential and that the encouragement and environment we create can spark unexpected passions. Knowing I played a part in shaping their future strengthened my commitment to serving all students, nurturing curiosity, and fostering confidence in STEM.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I see my platform as a chance to promote equitable, high-quality STEM education for all. I aim to support educators through coaching, curriculum work, and collaboration, helping refine practice and drive student growth. By advocating for inclusive teaching and sharing best practices, I hope to help build a culture where every student sees themselves as a capable scientist, engineer, or innovator.

Biography

Katheryn Kennedy has dedicated 30 years to education across the K–16 spectrum, with a rich background blending classroom teaching, curriculum leadership, and professional development. She currently serves as Department Chair and Instructional Coach at The Peck School, where she now teaches sixth-grade science and previously taught science and design to students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Her diverse experience also includes middle school Earth and physical science, as well as teaching biology at both the high school and college levels. Additionally, Katheryn spent eight years as a professional development provider and manager at the Center for Innovation in Science Education at Stevens Institute of Technology. Passionate about fostering student curiosity and meaningful engagement with science, Katheryn creates classroom environments that promote scientific discourse and thinking tailored to meet diverse learners' needs. She is committed to presenting science within relevant, real-world contexts to inspire lifelong appreciation and understanding. Beyond the classroom, Katheryn contributes to the broader science education community. She has served on the editorial review board for Innovations in Science Teacher Education and participated as an NSF review panel member. Her expertise has been shared at conferences including the National Science Teaching Association, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and the American Society for Engineering Education. She co-authored Engineering in the Life Sciences, 9–12 and has published in Science & Children, underscoring her commitment to innovative STEM teaching. She is also a recipient of multiple teaching and leadership awards at both the state and national levels.

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.