Stacy Stoker

Nephi, UT | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I’m motivated by the belief that every student can learn at high levels and deserves access to experiences that help them see themselves as problem solvers, innovators, and lifelong learners. I’m driven by lightbulb moments—when students make connections, ask questions, or tackle challenges they once thought were out of reach. This means I am constantly refining my practice to empower students to see how their thinking matters—because they are the future leaders our world needs.

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

​​One of the most transformative realizations in my STEM teaching came from shifting the way I teach math—from a set of steps to follow toward a process of sense-making. I began focusing on helping students use what they know to figure out what they don’t, rather than relying solely on memorized algorithms. While I believe algorithms are valuable tools, I’ve seen how teaching only procedures can make math feel like a list of disconnected rules. By encouraging students to explore patterns, make connections, and reason through problems, I’ve watched their confidence grow. Many have told me that math finally “makes sense” to them.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I hope to advance STEM by continuing to make a meaningful impact in my classroom, where I help students build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking. I also strive to influence the educators I collaborate with by sharing strategies, modeling best practices, and advocating for high-quality STEM instruction that reaches every student. I aim to help shape a future where all students are equipped to solve tomorrow’s challenges.

Biography

Stacy Stoker has been an educator for over 20 years, currently teaching all subjects in fifth grade. She has taught grades 1, 4, 5, and 6, and has spent most of her career at Red Cliffs Elementary in the Juab School District. Known for fostering student discourse and real-world problem solving, Stacy designs mathematics instruction that helps students make deep conceptual connections. She emphasizes reasoning, communication, and confidence-building in math. To promote family engagement in STEM learning, Stacy created a schoolwide Family Math and Literacy Night workshop focused on fluency through gameplay. The event included materials and adaptable game guides for K–6 students and their families and was met with enthusiastic participation. Stacy previously served on the Utah State Mathematics Advisory Committee and has contributed to statewide math professional learning initiatives. When the Common Core was introduced, she helped lead Utah’s Common Core Academy, training teachers across the state in effective implementation. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University and an M.Ed. from Southern Utah University. Stacy also holds endorsements in elementary mathematics, reading, STEM, and a mathematics specialist endorsement.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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