Sharon Webb

Cumming, GA | K-6, Science, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

What motivates me to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching is the belief that every child deserves the chance to explore, wonder, and solve real-world problems. I’m inspired by the excitement students feel when they see themselves as scientists or engineers. Supporting fellow educators in building confidence with STEM drives me as well. STEM fosters not just future careers, but also creativity, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship—skills essential for today’s world.

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

One of the highlights in my journey was earning my Science Endorsement. During that time, I was introduced to the 5E lesson plan model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate—which I found to be a powerful tool for integrating subjects into science instruction. I continue to share this approach with fellow elementary educators as an effective and practical framework. Another pivotal moment was becoming involved with GSTA and NSTA. These organizations connected me with like-minded educators and provided valuable opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Through them, my passion for elementary STEM education has deepened, and my commitment to promoting science as a vital part of early learning continues to grow.

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

I will continue to advocate for STEM in elementary with hands-on, real-world learning. Supporting teachers with strong training and integrated lessons is essential. Making sure every student has access to tools and opportunities. Family, industry, and community partnerships enrich learning and connect students to careers. Early STEM builds curiosity, confidence, and a foundation for lifelong learning. I will lead through mentoring, coaching and serving on local, state and national organizations.

Biography

Denise Webb is a passionate STEM educator who has presented on elementary STEM education at local, state, and national conferences. She is the co-author of Staging Science Nights through NSTA Press and regularly trains teachers on facilitating Family Science Nights, providing vertical support by engaging high school ambassadors with elementary learners. She collaborates with the University of North Georgia to train preservice teachers in 5E lesson planning and Three-Dimensional Learning. She also partnered with GSTA, Brenau, and UNG to develop and grow a regional Conference, which has expanded annually over the past eleven years. In 2021, she was honored as the Elementary Science Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Science Teachers Association. Denise has worked with the Georgia DOE to revise elementary science standards, facilitate statewide workshops on Three-Dimensional Learning, and serve as a Science Bridge Liaison reviewing new state DOE resources. A strong advocate for environmental education, Denise serves as Education Chair for Keep Forsyth County Beautiful and assists in updating curriculum for the University of Georgia Extension and 4-H programs, helping students connect science learning with real-world environmental stewardship. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from the University of West Florida, an M.Ed. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Mercer University, and an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University. Denise also holds endorsements in Science, Gifted Education, ESOL, Teacher Leadership, and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

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.