LSI is Sponsoring the FCR-STEM Innovating Educator of the Year Award
FCR-STEM Innovating Educator of the Year Award
The mission of the Florida Center for Research in STEM (FCR-STEM) is to help the State of Florida improve STEM teaching and learning in grades K-12 and prepare students for higher education and STEM careers in the 21st century. This mission would not be possible without the passion and commitment of Florida’s educators.
To honor their impact, FCR-STEM is proud to announce the FCR-STEM Innovating Educator of the Year Award, recognizing K–12 teachers who are transforming STEM education through innovation, creativity, and excellence in the classroom.
All Florida K–12 mathematics, science, or STEM teachers are eligible for nomination. Submissions are welcome from colleagues, supervisors, students, parents, and community members. Self nominations are accepted as well. Winners will be selected by FCR-STEM staff based on the level of innovation demonstrated in advancing student learning and engagement in STEM.
Award recipients will:
• Be spotlighted on the LSI website, featured on LSI’s social media channels and be recognized in the Florida State University Learning Systems Institute (LSI) annual report and newsletter
• Receive a $500 gift card to support their innovative teaching
• Be presented with an Innovating Educator of the Year trophy to display in their classroom
Nominations are open from February 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026. All nominations must be submitted here. Applications should describe how the nominee’s work is innovative, include supporting documents, and a letter of support from their principal/assistant principal.
About FCR-STEM
FCR–STEM was created by the Florida Legislature and competitively awarded to Florida State University in 2006. It is a highly respected center operated by LSI faculty and staff. Through research conducted at FCR-STEM, our staff works to answer the question, “How can we improve STEM integration and teaching and learning for all students?” Our staff pushes for a scientific approach to educational research and supports the use of open science and experimental design in our work. The work includes reports of the impact of educational interventions on student learning in mathematics and statistics through various teacher learning programs involving formative assessment, Cognitively Guided Instruction, lesson study, and statistics curriculum and professional learning opportunities.