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Renowned Idaho STEM teachers earn INDEEDS awards

BOISE, Idaho (Nov. 3, 2022) — Idaho STEM Action Center has honored two educators who champion science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and connect students with industry leaders to mentor projects and provide invaluable career guidance. A panel of industry experts selected Caldwell teacher Kristy Rudan and Rathdrum teacher Jessica LaPresta to receive the 2022 Industry’s Excellent Educators Dedicated to STEM awards, or INDEEDS for short.

“Inspiring students to enjoy and engage in STEM is fundamental to maximizing our children's career opportunities and supporting Idaho's long-term economy,” Idaho Gov. Brad Little said. “Thank you to these outstanding educators for training today's students for future jobs and teaching them to embrace innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.”

The accolades were announced during the Idaho Technology Council Hall of Fame gala Wednesday night.

Rudan, the winner in the kindergarten through sixth-grade category, teaches sixth-grade science and English language arts at Syringa Middle School in Caldwell, plus she hosts an after-school 3D printing club and stages 3D printing summer camps. This is her second year at Syringa and her 14th year teaching. Rudan began her career teaching at a small Oregon charter school that focuses on technology integration and then taught fourth and fifth grade at Sacajawea Elementary School in Caldwell.

Possessing an endorsement in English for Speakers of Other Languages with specialized training in mathematics, Kristy is passionate about bringing unique, language-rich, hands-on educational opportunities to underserved populations.

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