Four teachers, community partners honored for consistent investment in STEM education and innovation in Michigan

LANSING, Mich.— The MiSTEM Network team in region 2 – covering southeast and southcentral Michigan – hosted their 5th Annual Recognition Ceremony to honor educators and a community partner for their commitment to cultivating a vibrant STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) ecosystem in Michigan. The event served as a closing ceremony for the 2024 STEAM Week hosted by Washtenaw Community College.

“The recognition ceremony is an annual opportunity to acknowledge the key role educators and community partners in the region play in preparing students for successful STEM careers,” said Megan Schrauben, MiSTEM Network executive director. “All four awardees help advance MiSTEM‘s mission to create a vibrant STEM ecosystem in our state as we empower educators and the next generation of innovators.”

Educators who were nominated for the awards were required to be a full-time K-13 educator in the MiSTEM Region 2 area with at least half of their contractual time instructing and creating highly effective experiences for their students, while contributing to the STEM culture in their communities. MiSTEM is pleased to congratulate the following:

• Caleb Coon of Beach Middle School in Washtenaw, who was named MiSTEM Region 2 STEM Educator of the Year. The award recognizes a consistent record of outstanding teaching and related activities in STEM fields, focusing on their accomplishments in the last three to five years.
• Courtney Forner of Northwest Early Elementary in Jackson, who was named MiSTEM Region 2 STEM Integration Educator of the Year. The award recognizes an educator who primarily teaches outside of traditional STEM-fields or across elementary school programs and who has a consistent record of integration of STEM principles and high-quality STEM-related experiences for students, focusing on their accomplishments in the last three to five years.
• Lora Wallich of Michener Elementary in Lenawee, who was presented with the MiSTEM Region 2 Lifetime Achievement Award. Wallich is in her 38th year of teaching and received the award in recognition of her dedication and positive student impact.
• Meg Wallace, an engineer, who accepted the MiSTEM Region 2 Critical Partners Award on behalf of Toyota Motors North America. This award is given to a regional partner to recognize their commitment towards advancing the STEM culture in the region.

“Toyota has launched Driving Possibilities, our STEM and Career Readiness initiative in the Ypsilanti Community and Lincoln Consolidated School Districts because we believe that all students should have access to the high growth careers of tomorrow,” Wallace said. “This is particularly relevant in Michigan, with the transition in the mobility industry from internal combustion engines to electrified powertrains. We are especially grateful to Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw ISD, Lincoln Consolidated Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools for their collaboration in this effort.”

In addition to being recognized at the Feb. 29 MiSTEM Recognition Ceremony at Washtenaw Community College, each educator received a $1,000 grant to help increase their impact around STEM education. These funds help educators support future STEM 3P (Project, Problem, Place-based) engagement for their students. The educators were also invited to become members of the Regional Steering Committee where they will help shape the direction of MiSTEM efforts to meet regional needs.

MiSTEM Region 2 is comprised of six counties from southeast/south central Michigan, including: Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties. Their work aims to unite education, business and community partners across the state by creating pathways for all students to consider and pursue high-wage, high-demand careers in STEM. Their mission is to be the catalyst for equitable access and engagement in authentic STEM experiences in every community in Michigan.

"It's critical to take the time to recognize the impactful work of our educators and community partners to advance the STEM culture in the region,” said Scott Heister, MiSTEM Region 2 director. “We appreciate those who make valuable contributions that provide students with quality STEM education and experiences.”

Meet the Educators

As an eighth-grade Science and STEM Challenges teacher, Caleb Coon guides his Beach Middle School students through STEM curriculum throughout the year. He promotes active learning and encourages students to think imaginatively, critically and independently. Whether it’s launching rockets or racing cars, Coon’s students know they will be given challenges that push their thinking and expand their learning far beyond the walls of the classroom. He also fosters a space of inclusion, by meeting all students where they are. This fall, he provided a student who uses an electric wheelchair with an alternative car that the student could program, building on their love of coding. Teachers like Coon are helping students form a love of learning and an appreciation for how STEM plays an integral role in their lives. 

Courtney Forner has played an integral role in building a strong foundation for the robotics and STEM programs at Northwest Early Elementary. In her seven years teaching STEM, her passion for her profession motivates and inspires her students and colleagues alike. Forner thinks outside the box and encourages creative and innovative problem-solving among her students. Notably, during the initial school closure due to COVID-19, Forner rose to the challenge by leading her building in developing a process for technology deployment, organizing volunteers and troubleshooting technology for students and staff. 

Lora Wallich has provided unwavering support for the innovative STEAM programming at Michener Elementary. Notably, Wallich leveraged an existing relationship with Adrian-based telescope manufacturer PlaneWave Instruments to provide even more opportunities and field trips for students to have hands-on STEAM experiences in areas such as scientific principles and astronomy, including the over 40 students involved in the Michener Astronomy Club. Her work also resulted in a presentation to the Adrian Public School Board, which garnished local media coverage about the students and their astronomy club, as well as lead her students to be named state champions for the READBowl, a global reading competition. Wallich sees the value in not only inspiring students to learn STEM-related skills, but also to tailor education and engagement to students’ needs so they leave her classroom inspired and with their eyes and minds open to what is possible for their futures.