We’re proud to honor the following USEA award winners who have displayed passion and dedication for STEM disciplines.
USEA award criteria and eligibility
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2026 Winners
Outstanding Faculty Scholar Award
Dr. Maria Fernandez | FIUteach
"Dr. Fernandez exemplifies sustained excellence in scholarship, teaching, and program leadership, impacting STEM educator preparation both at FIU and across the UTeach network."
Dr. Maria Fernandez has dedicated her career to advancing STEM education through research, innovation, and leadership. As a founding co-director of FIUteach, she has helped build a nationally recognized program while creating new opportunities for future STEM teachers.
A former public school mathematics teacher, Dr. Fernandez combines classroom experience with a distinguished research career focused on improving mathematics teaching and learning for diverse student populations. Her work has resulted in millions of dollars in external funding, numerous peer-reviewed publications, and more than 150 conference presentations that have influenced STEM education around the world.
Beyond her scholarship, Dr. Fernandez is deeply committed to mentoring faculty, doctoral students, and future teachers. Her vision, leadership, and dedication to educational excellence continue to strengthen STEM teacher preparation across the UTeach network and beyond.
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Dr. Leslie Nisbet-Gonzalez | FIUteach
"Dr. Nisbet-Gonzalez provides leadership within the UTeach community by building collaborations with districts, schools, and STEM teachers that create meaningful mentoring and classroom opportunities for future educators."
Dr. Leslie Nisbet-Gonzalez has spent more than two decades preparing future STEM teachers through innovative instruction, meaningful partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to student success.
Drawing on experience in both K–12 and higher education—including teaching mathematics in Belize—Dr. Nisbet-Gonzalez brings a global perspective to STEM teacher preparation. At FIUteach, she has taught eight of the program's ten required courses, consistently modeling inquiry-based learning, engineering design, and reflective teaching practices.
Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Dr. Nisbet-Gonzalez has helped launch new academic pathways, strengthen advising systems, and build partnerships with local school districts that provide authentic classroom experiences for aspiring educators. Through her collaborative leadership and dedication to expanding opportunities for future teachers, she exemplifies excellence in STEM education.
Dr. Ellis’s contributions to STEM education have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Dean’s Teaching Showcase at Michigan Technological University and selection as a National Technology Leadership Initiative (NTLI) Finalist. His dedication to excellence in teaching, leadership, and research makes him a truly deserving recipient of the USEA Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award.
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Dr. Mariam Manuel | teachHOUSTON
"I truly appreciate all the effort and time that Dr. Manuel has put into her classroom. She is an amazing example of what a great teacher should be."
— teachHOUSTON Student
For Dr. Mariam Manuel, preparing future STEM teachers is about more than developing instructional skills—it's about helping students become confident, compassionate educators who will make a lasting difference in their own classrooms.
A Clinical Assistant Professor and Master Teacher at the University of Houston, Dr. Manuel is also a proud graduate of the inaugural teachHOUSTON cohort. She creates learning environments built on trust, belonging, and high expectations, encouraging future teachers to grow both professionally and personally.
Her leadership extends across the UTeach network. As USEA President from 2023–2024, Dr. Manuel helped strengthen collaboration among programs while advancing STEM teacher preparation nationwide. Her commitment to mentorship, service, and excellence continues to shape the next generation of STEM educators, making her an outstanding recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Master Teacher Award.
Outstanding Staff Award
Cate Logan | UTeach Austin
"It is clear to all who work with Cate that she loves her work and cares deeply about others. Cate Logan is a true leader in STEM education, and her service has enriched our program and inspired those around her."
Behind every successful UTeach program is someone who keeps everything moving forward, and for UTeach Austin, that person is Cate Logan.
As Senior Administrative Associate, Cate strengthens every aspect of the program. From improving operational systems and coordinating major events to supporting faculty, staff, and students, she ensures that the program runs smoothly so others can focus on preparing exceptional STEM teachers.
Her impact extends beyond operations. Cate has built stronger documentation and compliance systems, mentored student employees, and fostered a welcoming environment for everyone who joins the UTeach community. Her dedication, thoughtfulness, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on UTeach Austin and the broader STEM education community, making her a deserving recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Staff Member Award.
Outstanding Alumni Award
Basilio Pesina | UTRGV UTeach
"An exceptional educator whose dedication, innovation, and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact on our campus, district, and community."
— Principal Carla Zarate
Basilio Pesina believes STEM education has the power to transform lives. Through innovative teaching, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to student success, he has created opportunities that inspire students to achieve beyond what they thought possible.
As the founder of a thriving robotics program, Basilio has guided students to compete on the world stage, including leading a first-year team to qualify for the VEX World Championship. His impact extends well beyond his own classroom through the development of a K–6 robotics curriculum now used throughout his district and through his dedication to mentoring fellow educators.
Known for creating a classroom filled with joy, rigor, and high expectations, Basilio empowers students to become confident problem-solvers and future STEM leaders. His passion for expanding access to meaningful STEM experiences makes him a deserving recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award.
2025
USEA Presidents Award
Dr. Jacqueline Ekeoba, teachHOUSTON
USEA Special Award
Dr. Glenn Waddell, NevadaTeach
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Dr. Joshua Ellis, GeauxTeach
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Dr. Kate York, UTeach Dallas
Outstanding Staff Award
Dr. Anisha Campbell, Terrapin Teachers
Outstanding Alumni Award
Meghan DiBacco, teachHOUSTON alum
2024
USEA Presidents Award
La Keisha Leonard, Teach North Texas
USEA Special Award
Dana Grosser-Clarkson, Terrapin Teachers
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
David Sparks, UTeach at Permian Basin
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Kelli Allen, UTeach Austin
Outstanding Staff Award
Aaron Koehler, UTeach Austin
Outstanding Alumni Award
Michelle Laskowski, GeauxTeach alum
2023
USEA Special Award
Elizabeth Goldberg, UTeach Dallas
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Dr. David Sparks, UTeach at Permian Basin
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Dr. Jacqueline Ekeoba, teachHOUSTON
Outstanding Alumni Award
Preston Dozier, UTeach Dallas
2022
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Emily Hennessy, UTeach Dallas
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Paige Evans, teachHOUSTON
Outstanding Staff Award
Michelle Lowry, UTeach Austin
Outstanding Faculty Scholar Award
Sherry Southerland, FSU-Teach
Outstanding Alumni Award
Alexander Eden, UTeach Boston
2021
USEA Special Award
Jennifer Smith, UTeach Austin
Tim Sears, UTRGV UTeach
Rachel George, CWU Teach STEM
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Michael Odell, UTeach Tyler
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Katie Donaldson, UTeach Dallas
Outstanding Staff Award
Leah McAllister-Shields, teachHOUSTON
Outstanding Alumni Award
Spencer Martin, UTeach Austin
Carlos Perez, teachHOUSTON
2020
Special Award for Outstanding Contributions to STEM Education
Mariam Manuel, teachHOUSTON
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Martha Day, SKyTeach
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Michael Ralph, STEMTeach KU
Outstanding Staff Award
Monica Yates, UTRGV UTeach
Outstanding Alumni Award
Kira Lowery, UTeach Austin
2019
USEA President's Award
Larry Abraham, UTeach Austin
Special Award for Outstanding Contributions to STEM Education
Ariel Taylor, UTeach Austin
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Shelly Rodriguez, UTeach Austin
Outstanding Staff Award
Erin Gonzales, UTeach Arlington
Outstanding Alumni Award
Amieé Himler, UTeach Dallas
2018
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Dr. Greg Hale, UTeach Arlington
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Rico Tyler, SKyTeach
Outstanding Staff Award
Kim Distin, UTeach Dallas
Outstanding Alumni Award
Jennifer West, UTeach Arlington
2017
USEA President's Award
Carrie Culpepper
USEA Special Award
Tracy LaQuey Parker
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Pamela Powell, UTeach Austin
Outstanding Staff Award
Lindsey Robinson, University of West Georgia
Outstanding Faculty Scholar Award
Lisa Duffin, SKyTeach
Outstanding Alumni Award
Janice Trinidad, UTeach Austin
2016
Outstanding Faculty Award
Mark Daniels, UTeach Austin
Outstanding Master Teacher Award
Perri Segura, teachHOUSTON
Outstanding Alumni Award
William Kiker, UTeach Austin
