2025 STAT Statewide Award Recipients

 Karissa Smith
Northwest ISD

Karissa Smith is an elementary science educator with 18 years of teaching experience. She spent most of her career in kindergarten and now teaches second grade, where she continues to nurture curiosity and wonder in young learners. Karissa also serves as a kindergarten science curriculum writer for Northwest ISD, helping design lessons, refine the scope and sequence, and lead professional development to support teachers.

She was recognized as the 2025 Grand Prize recipient of the Ernest and Sarah Butler Award for Excellence in Science Teaching through her work as a TEKS Guide reviewer and as a presenter at CAST on phenomena-based instruction and building wonder in the classroom.

Beyond the classroom, Karissa is building Fascination Science, a platform to share resources with teachers nationwide, and writing a children's picture book series that introduces crosscutting concepts in engaging and accessible ways.

Saul Cepeda
Northside ISD

With 14 years of experience as a middle school science educator, Saul Cepeda is dedicated to fostering curiosity, innovation, and student success in STEM. Now in the second year of teaching at the only medical-focused magnet middle school in Texas, he helps design engaging science learning experiences that prepare students for both academic achievement and real-world applications.

Outside of the classroom, Saul has served as a First LEGO League robotics coach for more than a decade and as a solar car coach for 5 years, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore engineering, teamwork, and problem solving. A recognized leader on campus and across the district, he has also served as vice president of a districtwide committee that unites educational and community leaders to advance student learning.

Saul is in the dissertation phase of earning a PhD at the University of Texas at San Antonio in interdisciplinary learning and teaching with a concentration in curriculum and instruction.

Kelly Suarez
Northwest ISD

Kelly Suarez is an experienced educator and curriculum coordinator with a passion for advancing science teaching in elementary schools. She has presented at national conferences, developed innovative lesson plans, and led professional development programs that inspire both teachers and students. Kelly is committed to creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that foster curiosity and critical thinking.

At the district level, she directly supports more than 550 grades K–5 science teachers by guiding curriculum implementation, modeling research-based instructional strategies, coordinating science supply procurement, and supporting planning and assessments.

Among other accomplishments, at the state level, Kelly extends her impact through service with the Texas Council of Elementary Science (TCES), a STAT Affiliate. As treasurer, former president, and former vice president, she has helped revitalize the organization by recruiting and empowering a dedicated board of science leaders. Under her leadership, TCES has expanded its professional learning opportunities, reaching hundreds of teachers across Texas.