Washington Science Teachers Association advances science education across Washington State and uses awards, scholarships, professional learning, conference programming, and educator resources to support the people who teach science. Its awards program shows a statewide focus on recognizing classroom practice, leadership, and instructional innovation for science educators working from early childhood through higher education and informal science settings.
The association offers three monetary awards and scholarships. The WSTA Excellence in Science Teaching program annually recognizes up to eight educators drawn from early childhood education, elementary school, middle school, high school, higher education, and informal science education. Each awardee receives local and state recognition, a one-year WSTA membership, and a $500 honorarium. Eligibility requires five or more years of science education experience and current work as a part-time or full-time science educator in Washington State. The program emphasizes culturally responsive science education for underrepresented groups, science education beyond the classroom, enthusiasm for teaching science, positive impact on student learning, and participation in local or state science activities or professional development.