Kelly Pelak

Hinsdale, IL | K-6, Science, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

After 25 years of classroom experience and witnessing significant changes in the field of education, one factor continues to drive my work: my students. Each year, I am met with new minds, new questions, new interests, new challenges, new solutions, and new possibilities. I take great pride in creating an engaging, challenging, and memorable learning environment for all of my students. I genuinely hope my passion for science and scientific inquiry are contagious.

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

Some of the most transformative moments, affirming my impact on STEM education, have come in the form of student feedback. Whether on an end-of-year survey, a handwritten letter, or an email crafted years later, students who were once hesitant about the subject often report that, after being in my class, science has become a favorite. Many of the more than 3,000 students I have taught, pursue STEM careers as doctors, engineers, computer science majors, etc. It brings me great joy to know that I might have had a small part in those pursuits. My nomination for this award (from a former student) illustrates this impact as well as a connection and lasting rapport with students. Their success is a constant source of motivation and inspiration.

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

It is critical for the U.S. to remain competitive in STEM careers and scientific exploration. Foundational instruction (K-6) in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math is critical to our nation's future and global success. Programs like PAEMST recognize and highlight inspiring STEM educators and create collaborative, innovative cohorts of recipients working together in the pursuit of excellence and innovation. Together, we can continue to push students to reach new heights.

Biography

Kelly Pelak has been an educator in Community Consolidated School District 181 for 25 years. She has taught sixth grade science at Hinsdale Middle School for the past six years. She previously taught fifth grade at Lane Elementary School for two years. Her first 17 years in the district were shared between Hinsdale Middle School and Clarendon Hills Middle School teaching eighth grade (primarily science). Kelly's enthusiasm for teaching is palpable. She creates an engaging environment, cultivating a love for learning, healthy risk taking, and a passion for science and technology. Whether teaching in costume as Ms. Frizzle or Charles Darwin, promoting engagement during remote learning with stickers on her face, or inspiring creativity through authentic STEM challenges, she is an impactful and memorable educator. Fostering strong relationships with students is a hallmark of her craft, as is evident by her student nomination. Kelly has participated in several district committees, including those that target technology integration, curriculum development and assessment, leadership, teacher evaluation, and facilities. She authored a notable D181 Foundation Grant, "Infusing Technology into the Science Curriculum", which increased student access to devices within the department. Kelly graduated with honors from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in elementary education, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate in the College of Education (1997). She later earned an M.A. in curriculum and instruction from North Central College (2003). She is a certified elementary school teacher with middle school endorsements in science, social studies, and language arts. She is a 2024 recipient of the Illinois State Board of Education Award of Excellence.

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.