Ohio Science Teacher Honored With 2026 Shell Science Teaching Award

Melissa Kowalski Receives $10,000 Prize for Achievements in STEM Teaching

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Science Teaching Association announced today that Melissa Kowalski, a science teacher at Put-in-Bay School in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, has received the 2026 Shell Science Teaching Award. During an award ceremony at the April NSTA National Conference in Anaheim, California, Kowalski was formally recognized for her achievement.

Kowalski leverages her school’s unique island setting to design immersive, place-based science experiences for her students. Teaching in a K–12 building on an island in Lake Erie, she transforms the surrounding environment—ranging from prairies and woodlands to wetlands—into an extension of her classroom. Through hands-on investigations and virtual connections with research scientists and industry specialists, Kowalski ensures her students engage directly with real-world science and develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and careers.

Building on these opportunities, Kowalski creates authentic learning experiences that connect students to ongoing scientific research and conservation efforts. Each year, she partners with a researcher from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to involve all K–12 students in bird banding during peak migration season. Through this work, students apply scientific practices, use industry tools and techniques, and contribute to data collection efforts, fostering a strong sense of ownership and stewardship for their local environment. Her approach not only deepens student learning but also strengthens connections between the school and the broader community.

Kowalski was honored with the Shell Science Teaching Award for her commitment to excellence and her impact on her students and her community. She received a $10,000 cash prize from Shell USA Inc., and expenses to attend NSTA’s National Conference in Anaheim, which took place April 15–18.

“Melissa ignites a fire in her students by delivering exceptional science and STEM education. Her unwavering passion to inspire a love for STEM shines through as she masterfully uses the local environment, sparking curiosity and wonder in her students. She embodies the essence of a resourceful and dedicated science educator, truly making a lasting impact on her students’ lives,” said Beverly DeVore-Wedding, PhD, president of NSTA.

In addition to Kowalski, two finalists were selected. Jason Dokie, an elementary science teacher at Helendale Elementary School in Helendale, California, and Crystal Doi, a science teacher at Kapunahala Elementary School in Kaneohe, Hawaii, received expenses to attend NSTA’s National Conference in Anaheim and were also recognized for their achievements at the award ceremony held during the conference.

More information about the NSTA Teacher Awards Program and the Shell Science Teaching Award can be found at https://www.nsta.org/awards-and-recognition-program.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit www.nsta.org, or following NSTA on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or Bluesky.