11/23/2024
The state Department of Education has selected just one middle school educator for its STEAM Educator Award and that teacher is Kickemuit Middle School’s Kerri Krawczyk.
The selection committee praised Mrs. Krawczyk for her passion for integrated STEAM instruction and how she consistently motivates students to engage in STEAM learning. This award is presented by the RI STEAM Center, with financial support from RI Energy.
“She exemplifies everything we want in a teacher,” Superintendent Ana C. Riley said. “She very much deserves this recognition.”
In addition to the statewide recognition, the award comes with a $1000 grant to be used for the school’s STEAM program as well as a $500 award to Mrs. Krawczyk.
“My students mean a lot to me,” Ms. Krawczyk said upon learning she is RI’s middle school STEAM teacher of the year. “I absolutely love what I do. Every day I come in with a smile.”
School leaders say Mrs. Krawczyk, who has been with the district since 2016, has been instrumental in building a robust STEM program for students. She has worked diligently with her colleagues and administration to develop and implement course offerings such as Project Lead The Way Design and Modeling, Computer Science, and Medical Detectives, as well as supplemental STEM programs during and after school, including SeaPerch, Robotics, NEED, Ocean Twilight Zone, and Science Olympiad.
Mrs. Krawczyk is certified in secondary general science and has participated in extensive training in STEM programs. She has also presented at several state and national conferences. Colleagues and administrators alike say it is her energy and passion for STEM teaching that sets her apart.
“Her interactions with students, staff, and families have fueled an excitement for STEM learning that is evident across the school and the many projects, field trips, and guest speakers she has embedded into the program,” says Assistant Superintendent Diane E. Sanna. “The science olympiad is a great example. Each year, student participation and success continues to grow, resulting in our team winning the state championship last year. Kerri’s laser-like focus on students is at the heart of their success. She develops strong relationships with individual students, builds from their strengths, and challenges them to grow in their thinking, innovation, and confidence. “
The purpose of RI STEAM Month is to celebrate opportunities that RI schools offer students in STEAM areas as well as highlight the importance of learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art+Design, and Mathematics areas.
The STEAM Educator Award is presented each year to one elementary educator (grades K-5), one middle school educator (grades 6-8), and one high school educator (grades 9-12) whose innovative and engaging lessons spark curiosity and creativity in their students.
The STEAM Educator Award is presented in memory of Dr. Carol Giuriceo, who served as the center’s director since 2013 and organized the first STEAM Educator Award. Dr. Giuriceo passed away in 2021 after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
