Iowa lieutenant governor announces award aimed to encourage STEM teaching

DES MOINES - Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Monday announced a new award program designed to spur more interest in teaching math, science, engineering and technology subjects.

The 'STEM Education Award for Inspired Teaching” will award $3,000 to one teacher in each of the state's six designated STEM regions, Reynolds announced at the governor's weekly news conference.

Gov. Terry Branstad did not attend Monday's news conference; he is on vacation in Italy.

Reynolds said a recent study showed an 'alarmingly low” number of recent college graduates expressed interest in teaching STEM subjects.

'We need more talented STEM teachers in order to provide an equitable STEM education,” Reynolds said.

Teachers will be selected for the award based on their work to inspire and encourage student interest in STEM subjects. The $3,000 will be split evenly between each teacher and his or her school district.

Applications for the first honorees are due Dec. 12, and winners will be announced in March 2015.

The award is sponsored by Kemin Industries, a Des Moines-based feed and food manufacturing company and a corporate partner of the governor's STEM Advisory Council.

Dr. Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin Industries, said his company 'continually” has openings that require technical backgrounds. He said the new award program is a long-term project.

'A minimum of six years, probably it's going to be a 10- to 15-year effort,” Nelson said. 'Really, it's about having the staying power to be able to look to the future and be able to realize these are the seeds you have to plant to harvest six to 10 years away.”

REYNOLDS PRAISES ERNST

Also at Monday's news conference, Reynolds praised Joni Ernst, who last week was elected to Iowa's open seat in the U.S. Senate.

Ernst replaced Reynolds in the Iowa Senate when Reynolds became lieutenant governor.

'I'm really, really proud of Joni,” Reynolds said.

With her election, Ernst became the first woman in Iowa's history elected to Congress or the governor's mansion. Mississippi now is the only state in the nation that has not done that.

'It's always encouraging to see strong, articulate, bright women running for office,” Reynolds said. 'It's great for young women to be able to see bright, articulate, strong leaders.”

A special election will be held to replace Ernst in the Iowa Senate. Reynolds said Branstad will set a special election date shortly after his return from vacation.