Congratulations to our 2024 Award Winners!
Each year our organization seeks to honor those among us who have contributed in a beneficial way to the improvement of science education in the state of Massachusetts. Consider nominating a colleague who has met the criteria below.
Know an amazing educator?
Read through the descriptions for the different awards below, then nominate that wonderful person! Nominations are due by Sept 2025 Contact Laura Carlin at awards@massscienceteach.org with any questions.
Dawn Sather Exemplary New Teacher Award
Award Description
*Membership in MAST is not a requirement. *In the first 3 years of the teaching profession and currently teaching science. *Noticed for remarkable achievement, accomplishment, and promise as a science educator.
2024 Winners
Catherine George, Pembroke High School, Pembroke Thomas Ranley, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, North Dighton
Russell P.Stanhope Distinguished Friend of Science
Award Description
*Non-member of MAST, but MAST membership is not a disqualifier *Works with science educators in Massachusetts *High visibility in science education *Promotes being a “friend” to the science community – strives to work collaboratively in his/her mission
2024 Winners
Alia Qatarneh, Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Cambridge
Joann Blum Inspiration in Environmental Education
Award Description
*The recipient should be a K-8 teacher who inspires their children to see science in the natural world around them. *Membership in MAST is not a requirement for the award. *The recipient will receive one year's complimentary membership in MAST (new or renewal).
2024 Winners
Julie Rossi, West Middle School, Brockton
County Science Educator of the Year Awards
Award Description
Hold a current membership in the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers (MAST) and has been an active member one year prior. Have a past history of being an active, contributing member of national, state, and/or local science teacher organizations.
Award Description Cont.
Have provided a leadership role in promoting and advancing the cause of quality science education among his/her peers. Have been active in promoting and advancing the cause of quality science education among students in the schools.
Barnstable County
Amy Fleischer, Nauset Regional Middle School, Orleans
Essex County
Kathleen Boucher-Lavigne, The Pike School, Andover
Norfolk County
Caitlin Nunez, Beatrice H Wood Elementary School, Plainville Sandra Ryack-Bell, Wade Institute for Science Education, Quincy
Middlesex County
Heather Kurzman, Bedford High School, Bedford
Plymouth County
Shawn O’Neill, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater
Worcester County
Wendy L. Marino, Woodland Elementary School, Milford
MAST State Science Educator of the Year
Award Description Cont.
*Active or retired teacher *Significant accomplishment in science education, locally, and statewide *Role model in science education for other educators
2024 Winner
Ralph Saint-Louis, Lowell High School, Lowell
Massachusetts Science Educators Hall of Fame
Click below to learn more and nominate someone to the Mass Science Educators Hall of Fame.