STEM Forward Outstanding Educator

Five southeast Minnesota educators were nominated for the 2025-2026 Outstanding Educator Award hosted by Southeast Service Cooperative’s STEM Forward.

The award recognizes K-12 professionals who strive toward the highest levels of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) excellence within their schools and community, with a focus on initiative and continuous improvement in every aspect of their work. 

Outstanding Educator recipients foster high K-12 student achievement, exhibit leadership and support for continuous improvement, promote STEM careers, and demonstrate collaboration among K-12 schools, businesses, and post-secondary education.

This year’s nominees are:

• Zach Brown, Plainview-Elgin-Millville Schools

• Peter Johnson, Pine Island Schools

• Andrea McKichan and Jane Carlson, Austin Public Schools

• Riley Buchheit, Stewartville Public Schools

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The Outstanding Educator Awards event will be celebrated at the 34th Annual STEM Forward Gathering on February 18th, at The Workshop in Rochester.

Four nominees will be recognized, and this year’s winner will be presented with their award and will have the opportunity to highlight some of their accomplishments.