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Illinois Science Teaching Association

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Illinois Science Teaching Association Awards

ISTA proudly recognizes excellence in science education across Illinois through the following award programs. For questions about awards, or to recommend or sponsor new awards, please contact Nicole Vick at nicole.vick@ilscience.org or Dina Lemmer at executivedirector@ilscience.org

ISTA Educator Awards

Do you know an outstanding science teacher that deserves recognition for the work they are doing in their school or community? Our new ISTA Educator Award Program was established this year to recognize teachers and the work that they do and is open to formal and informal educators alike!

When the nomination window opens, nominate your favorite science educators by filling out the nomination form. Our awards committee will reach out letting them know they have been nominated by a colleague and inviting them to apply. Excellent educators will be selected for Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Informal Education programs and Post-Secondary! 

Nominate your favorite science educator here! - CLOSED until 2026

2025 Educator Awards will be announced soon!


Excellence in Science Student Awards 

The Excellence in Science Program, formally known as the Student Medallion Program, has been a long standing program made possible with support from the Illinois Petroleum Resource Board. ISTA members can request one free signed Outstanding Science Student Award certificate and medallion to present to an outstanding science  student at the end of the school year! New in 2021 is the Future Leaders in Science Education for recognizing excellence in pre-service science teachers. Additional medallions can be purchased for a fee, and will be available for ordering in the spring of each year through our website. For more information about the Excellence  in Science Award Program, contact Bob Wolffe at finance@ilscience.org


Orders for Outstanding Science Student Awards for 2024-25 are now open! 


    About us

    We are a membership-based organization dedicated to promoting excellence in science teaching and learning throughout Illinois.   As the state chapter of the NSTA, the Illinois Science Teaching Association (ISTA) serves as a local resource for science educators in Illinois.   

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