Valley biology teacher wins grand prize in National Science Teaching Association competition

A Valley High School biology teacher has been nationally recognized for her efforts in the classroom.

Kathy Jo Sagwitz, who has taught at Valley for 17 years, was selected as the grand prize winner in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, administered by the National Science Teaching Association.

“Great teaching is more than delivering content. It’s about igniting curiosity and inspiring students to see the world through a scientific lens,” said Alicia Conerly, NSTA president. “These awards reflect these educators’ dedication to making science meaningful and accessible, empowering students to think critically and discover their potential.”

Sagwitiz had won $20,000 in January for a science lab makeover package from Shell and the NSTA.

The equipment she received included digital scales, thermometers and pH meters, microscope slides, models, an incubator for growing bacteria, a water distiller and a demonstration cabinet.

The additional $5,000 that came with the grand prize covered expenses for Sagwitz and Valley Principal Jon Banko to attend the NSTA national conference in Philadelphia in March, she said.

“I was completely shocked,” she said of the national recognition. “I never expected this. I was blown away and flabbergasted when I got the email that I won.

“It was probably one of the highlights of my career. I have never experienced anything along these lines, and it was really nice to be able to be with other teachers who had won, and to make those connections.”

The award, according to NSTA, recognizes exceptional and innovative science educators for their approaches to science lab instruction using limited resources. It also aims to raise awareness and exposure of the work being done in the science education field.

Sagwitz said the most rewarding part of her job is “watching my students go on to be successful, and tell me I made a difference for them.”