Congratulations to Dylan Shaffer - 2026 Northeast Iowa

STEM Teacher Award Recipient

Dylan Shaffer, science and intro to STEM teacher at Monticello Community School District, has been named this year’s recipient of the Northeast Iowa STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, presented by Google and the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education.

Shaffer’s extraordinary passion for STEM and ability to build strong relationships with his students ignites inspiration and enthusiasm in the classroom. He provides students with experiences in science and technology that are memorable, challenging and unique. One colleague shared that Shaffer is the most innovative and authentic science teacher she has worked with in her 23 years in education.

The excitement isn’t contained to the classroom, Shaffer collaborates with STEM stakeholders to enrich the students’ learning experiences. A collaboration with Jones County Conservation resulted in a fall bumble survey where students get to be hands-on with real bees, observing them and recording data. He actively promotes STEM education and careers by organizing community STEM nights that engage and connect more than 35 organizations with students and families.

Shaffer continues to invest in his own professional development from participating in the STEM Teacher Externship program to computer science and TAG endorsement programs through state universities.

Now in its 12th year, the award is given annually to one full-time, licensed PK-12 teacher from each of the six STEM regions in Iowa. Each honoree is recognized for their dedication to fostering enthusiasm and igniting a passion for STEM that extends beyond the walls of the classroom, effectively equipping students for high-demand careers in the future.

As a recipient of the 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, Shaffer will receive $1,500 to use for his classroom and $1,500 for personal use.

Apply Now: 2026-27 Iowa STEM Scale-Up Menu Deadline is

March 10 at 4:59 p.m.

The Iowa STEM Scale-Up Program was first developed in 2012 and has helped thousands of Iowa educators deliver exciting units in robotics, coding, engineering design, agriculture, animal science, health sciences and more, reaching up to 100,000 learners each year.

As one of the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council’s signature programs, it provides high-quality STEM education programs to PK-12 youth in school and out of school along with training for educators to implement effectively.

Changes starting in 2026:

As the Scale-Up Program enters its 15th year, it is evolving to better meet the needs of Iowa’s educators. Beginning in 2026–27, the program will shift to a three-year model with three program offerings to provide sustained engagement and support. This focused structure gives educators the time, clarity, and consistency needed to strengthen implementation and create lasting impact.

Educators are encouraged to participate for the full three-year cycle to benefit from deeper learning, stronger support, and the opportunity for their ideas to grow and succeed.

Each year, a new cohort of educators will begin implementation. In Year Two, a new cohort will be awarded while Year One awardees continue their work with ongoing support—allowing programs to deepen over time and ensuring long-term success.

Who may apply?



PK-12 educators, both in and out of the classroom, are eligible to apply. Eligible applicant(s) include;

• Public and private PreK-12 schools
• Childcare and Daycare centers
• County conservation boards
• Libraries
• County extension offices
• Home school associations
• Other formal and informal organizations that deliver STEM education to PK-12 youth. 

The lead applicant may be an administrator applying on behalf of an educator or a group of educators.

The three STEM Scale-Up programs offered for implementation in 2026-2027 are listed below;

Grade Level: PK - 3

STEMwonder

presented by the Iowa Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa

Carefully curated kits of materials engage students in science and engineering concepts through play-based integrative STEM and literacy experiences that motivate students to use the tools of literacy.

Fact Sheet

Recorded Informational Webinar

Grade Level: 4 - 12

Exploring AI and the Future of Work

presented by CodeJoy LLC

Provides a focused and engaging learning experience to address classroom AI integration through hands-on activities.

Fact Sheet

Recorded Informational Webinar

Grade Level: 7 - 12

First Tech Challenge (FTC)

presented by the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa

Students design, build and program robots to compete in events. FTC emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving through a team-based competition.

Fact Sheet

Recorded Informational Webinar

To learn more about the Scale-Up Program please contact Jeff Beneke by email or by phone at 319-273-7397.

To apply, click on the icon below and click on the login button found in the upper right corner.

Organizations Invited to Exhibit at Family STEM Festival - April 9 at Waukon High School

Business, industry, higher education, non-profit, and government organizations are invited to exhibit at the Family STEM Festival on Thursday, April 9, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Waukon High School.

Exhibitor registration deadline is April 2.

This fun, high-energy community event will bring the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to life for students and families across northeast Iowa—and we’re looking for exhibitors to help make it happen!

Exhibitors are asked to provide a hands-on, interactive activity that engages families while showcasing the value of STEM learning and the wide range of STEM-related careers and educational opportunities available in our region.

Designed like a street festival or county fair, the Family STEM Festival is a 100% free event where visitors can explore activities at their own pace. While exhibits should be geared toward PreK–8th grade students and their families, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Activities can be as simple or as complex as you’d like, and organizations new to this type of event are encouraged to visit our website for exhibit ideas.

Event Highlights:

• Organized like a street festival or county fair, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

• Primarily geared toward PreK-8th grade students and their families, but open to all ages.

• Estimated attendance of 350 attendees from Waukon and surrounding communities.



• Check out our YouTube video for a glimpse of past events: Watch Here

To learn more, visit our website.

For questions about the festival or exhibit ideas, please contact Lucy Galloway at gallolab@uni.edu