Lawton Public Schools STEM Coordinator receives award

Teachers are some of the most influential people in our lives. Every now and then, they are recognized for doing something incredible.

On Tuesday at Lincoln Elementary School, Doris Biegler, Lawton Public School’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Coordinator, was recognized as a Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year Finalist by Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance.

LPS administrators surprised Biegler in her Makerspace classroom with flowers and a $5,000 check.

“I didn’t see it coming, so (I’m) just in shock,” Biegler said. “I like surprises. This is a good one. I’m excited to be able to bring some more STEM and hands-on learning to all of our kids as much as possible.”

Biegler plans to get more robots for her kids.

“That’s some of the favorite things that we like to do with robotics, coding, engineering and designing,” Biegler said.

Biegler hopes the distinction will help get other STEM teachers recognition for what they do.

“We work hard,” Biegler said. “All teachers work hard. Some teachers go really the extra mile. They want to make sure kids are learning, hands-on, the real world problems.”

Biegler said she may spend the $5,000 on LEGOS.

“This year, we’re going to start with the new LEGO League Robotics,” Biegler said. “We’re very excited about that.”

Jaime Walton, Community Engagement Manager for Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, said Biegler can use the money for professional development or however she’d like to improve the classroom or school.

There’s a process to selecting the finalists, Walton said.

“We select four finalists,” Walton said. “One in every category from elementary, middle, high school and a leadership, which recognizes administrators or coordinators who support educators in enacting STEM in their classrooms. Then one of those four is selected for the overall winner.”

Qualified nominees are decided by their community, Walton said.

“They fill out an application that tells us a little bit about how they create spaces of belonging for their students in STEM education and help prepare and inspire them,” Walton said. “Then the finalists are selected by our board of directors and volunteer review panel.”

It’s important to recognize educators for going above and beyond and creating spaces of belonging for students, among other things, Walton said.

“That’s a big emphasis of this award,” Walton said. “How teachers go above and beyond to make sure students feel like they can do STEM.”