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VAST Recognition In Science Education (RISE) Awards
VAST RISE Awards are presented to spotlight the excellent work done by science educators across the Commonwealth. They recognize service to science education in the individual's school, school system, and the VAST district in which they work. The awards are grouped in twelve distinct categories:
- Remote Teaching (elementary, middle, high school)
- Elementary (pre K-5)
- Middle school (6-8)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- At-Risk Students (K-12)
- Resource Teacher (examples: Technology, Science Resource, Etc.)
- Science Educator (non K-12-Examples Science Supervisor, Information Education, Principal, Etc.)
- University/College Faculty
- Community Partnership (example: Businesses, Politicians, Other Organizations, Etc.)
The number of awards to be given each year will be determined by the Awards Selection Committee based on the qualifications of the nominees. The awardees are invited to attend the VAST Virtual PDI and will be recognized during the PDI.
Awards Nomination deadline is September 30.
Applicant does not need to be a VAST member.
To apply: complete the Google Form.
2025 Donna Sterling Award Application
Due Date: August 15, 2025
Donna Sterling was a visionary science educator with a passion for working with science teachers and developing habits of inquiry-based teaching. Her leadership in the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA) focused on elementary and secondary teacher professional development. This award recognizes that exemplary teachers engage in continuous improvement and is designed to support a professional development plan for the improvement of science teaching.
In 2025, an award will be given to one exemplary secondary teacher (grade 6–12) and an award will be given to one exemplary elementary teacher (grade preK-6); 6th grade teachers in elementary settings are eligible to apply for this award.
The awardees will receive a total of $3000; $2000 at the VAST PDI in 2025, held in Alexandria, VA November 13-15, 2025. Registration and travel costs will be reimbursed to attend the 2025 VAST PDI to receive the award. The remaining $1000 will be awarded after the awardee either presents at the next VAST PDI or submits an article to the newsletter The Science Educator or the Journal of Virginia Science Education. If the awardee chooses to present at the 2026 VAST PDI on the professional development experience and outcomes, registration and travel costs to attend will be reimbursed.