Telegraph photo by GRACE PECCI Heron Pond Elementary School Teacher Suzanne Schedin, left, was recognized Friday evening with the 2019 Society of Professional Engineers STEM Excellence in Teaching Award for the elementary level. Next to Schedin is Heron Pond Elementary School Principal Chantal Alcox.

Each year, the Society of Professional Engineers looks to award three teachers, one at the elementary level, one at the middle school level and one at the high school level, for their outstanding teaching efforts surrounding science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Nominations can be made by parent teaching organizations, teaching colleagues, school administrators or others and must be submitted with three letters of reference.

Bob Rotier, New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers coordinator, said the award is intended to reward the teaches who are in the classroom everyday inspiring students and changing lives, the ones he joked, who are “down in the trenches.” They also look for teachers who do this, while being involved outside of the classroom. Schedin was recognized for her hard work in getting STEM-related grants for the school.

The Society of Professional Engineers recognizes the important roles teachers play in shaping future engineers and scientists.

“Teachers of today are instrumental in shaping our future leaders, engineers and scientists and providing them with the tools, knowledge and principles required for success. Recognition of excellence in education is critical to support the continuous efforts of New Hampshire’s outstanding teachers,” it reads on the S.T.E.M. Excellence in Teaching Awards Application.

Of Schedin, Heron Pond Elementary School Principal Chantal Alcox said, “Mrs. Schedin is a champion for our students at Heron Pond. In focusing on STEM she is making a significant impact on our students in developing persistence, thinking flexibly, applying past knowledge to new situations, and creating, imagining, and innovating. I’m convinced that she is developing the minds of scientists, mathematicians, coders, and problem solvers of all kinds. Our young students are learning to see a world full of possibilities.”

Schedin received the award during a Heron Pond Family STEAM night. Alcox said she felt it was the perfect time for her to receive this award in front of her family, fellow staff members, students, and their families.

Rotier presented Schedin the award, to her surprise, and it included a plaque and a cash stipend. Rotier thanked her for all the work she has done.