Kameron Yeggy

Boise, ID | 7-12, Science, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

The more I learn about the universe's laws of physics, the more I grow to appreciate the cosmos and the world we live in. I find inspiration for life and teaching in the simplicities of daily life— the way a river shapes its banks, how a tree flexes against a gentle breeze, the grandeur of a full moon... Nature's wonders continually remind me why I teach: to help students develop a similar sense of awe and appreciation for the world we live in and for one another.

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

My primary goal as an educator is to help students develop a sense of belonging and curiosity. I love using my astronomy curriculum as a medium for connection. It fills me with gratitude and pride to see students engage deeply with a lab—to hear them say after a lesson, “This is so cool,” or “I can’t wait to learn more.” No glowing administrative evaluation or prestigious award will ever mean as much to me as hearing how students felt safe, inspired, and excited to develop a love for the universe and for science in my classroom.

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

A primary objective of mine as a teacher is to elevate student voices. No one knows better if learning is happening than the students themselves. I continually revise my curriculum in response to their feedback and have witnessed tremendous growth in engagement and professional interest in my content area. As a Presidential Awardee, I hope to use this platform to advocate for students as agents of change in education.

Biography

Kameron Yeggy is a teacher at Boise's Timberline High School dedicated to sharing his passions for scientific processes and philosophies with his students and community. He began his career at Timberline in 2016 and has taught Algebra 2/Integrated III, Geology, and Advanced Placement Seminar. In 2019, he founded Timberline’s Astronomy program and now teaches the course full time as a science elective to 10th-12th graders. Kameron conducts class with enthusiasm, allowing his courses to be simultaneously enjoyable and rigorous. This has contributed to extensive enrollment in his classes and increased engagement in STEM subjects throughout the school. Kameron emphasizes that learning is a collaborative effort by integrating discussions, inquiry, and opportunities for creative expression. Kameron serves as a frequent mentor to students through programs such as NASA’s Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars program, Sources of Strength youth mental health program, and Wolf Connection student/community leadership. He has also served as advisor to extracurricular activities such as the Science Bowl, Rock Climbing, and Rockhounding clubs. Past achievements of Kameron’s include winning the staff-nominated “Teacher of the Year” at Timberline during his second year of teaching, as well as receiving the student-selected “Most Outstanding School Leader” award in both 2022 and 2025, alongside numerous student nominations as their influential educator. Kameron holds a B.S. in geology and physics secondary education from Idaho State University and a Master of Natural Resources from the University of Idaho. He is certified in Earth & Space Sciences, Physics, and Mathematics at the secondary level.

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.