Each year, STAT is proud to recognize excellence in and dedication to the field of science education through its annual award program. A committee of STAT members reviews all applications and selects award recipients to be recognized during the annual Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST), presented by STAT.

The 2025 STAT Statewide Award recipients are: 

• Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher of the Year: Karissa Smith, Northwest ISD
• Outstanding Secondary Science Teacher of the Year: Saul Cepeda, Northside ISD
• Distinguished Leadership in Science Education Award Recipient: Kelly Suarez, Northwest ISD

The 2025 recipients will be formally honored and recognized during the general session of CAST25, November 13–15 in Dallas.

Meet the 2025 STAT Statewide Award Recipients