Liberty Elementary School District No. 25 recognized five science teachers who have completed year one of the Arizona STEM Acceleration Project (ASAP).

Project Fellows are Josh Kolopanis, Shawna Matteson and Janelle Moran of Westar Elementary School; Sue Matteson of Freedom Elementary School; and Christi Mendoza of Liberty Elementary School.

“We are so proud to have such talented teachers across the district,” Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Natasha Camp shared in a press release. “Their participation in this fellowship speaks volumes to their commitment to STEM education and to their students.”

Supported by Arizona State University’s Center for Science and the Imagination and Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, the Arizona STEM Acceleration Project is a grassroots effort to enhance and accelerate science, technology, engineering and math activities in Arizona schools. This project connects educators with professional development organizations and funding partners to build a more collaborative, more imaginative foundation for developing and delivering STEM resources and training opportunities to educators statewide.

The Project provides vital funding and guidance to schools and professional development organizations, increasing their ability to foster engagement, update curricula, and acquire materials needed to improve STEM education for Arizona’s students.

The Project STEM Acceleration Project STEM Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend to purchase STEM supplies for projects, a $4,500 stipend is given to all ASAP Fellows, and access to a broad range of STEM professional development opportunities throughout Arizona.