The Tekne: Innovation in Teaching Award recognizes innovative classroom use of technology in K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, and expands opportunities for students to be successful in technology-related careers.
Scot Hovan, Ph.D. student in science education (Department of Curriculum and Instruction) and engineering coordinator for the Mahtomedi school district, has been instrumental in the creation of the Mahtomedi Engineering Leadership Program (MELP). It currently consists of three facets: engineering curriculum, engineering integration, and community engagement. Through Hovan’s relationship with the University of Minnesota’s STEM Education Center, he has helped incorporate the use of Model Eliciting Activities (MEAs) in several non-engineering classes. Hovan also has led evening engineering events to promote awareness and excitement around engineering, regularly attracting over 500 community members. The community engagement activities of MELP also include engineering summer camps for kids and extracurricular engineering activities.

In addition to the integration of science and engineering into the ninth grade curriculum, Mahtomedi middle school students are now required to take engineering courses. This widespread implementation of engineering is pioneering the future of STEM education in Minnesota.
Congratulations to Scot for this well deserved reward!