Quick look: The Orange County Department of Education has announced the recipients of its 2026 Outstanding STEM Educator Awards, recognizing 12 educators and community leaders who inspire curiosity, creativity and problem-solving through science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. Honorees will be recognized Aug. 4.
Twelve Orange County professionals who are expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education have been selected as the 2026 Outstanding STEM Educators.
The Orange County Department of Education, in partnership with Inside the Outdoors, will recognize the recipients during the 2026 Outstanding STEM Educators Awards Celebration from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the department’s Conference Center in Costa Mesa.
Selected through a competitive nomination and review process by a panel of educators and community leaders, this year’s recipients represent classroom teachers, curriculum designers, mentors, program leaders, coaches and community advocates who are expanding opportunities in STEM education through Orange County.
From transitional kindergarten through postsecondary education and expanded learning programs, the honorees have created engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity and critical thinking while helping students build the confidence and skills needed for future success.
Celebrating excellence in STEM education
“Together, these extraordinary educators are doing more than teaching STEM; they are inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who will shape the future of our communities,” said Trish Walsh, OCDE’s director of Academic Content and Instructional Support. “It is our privilege to recognize and celebrate the 2026 Outstanding STEM Educators for their exceptional contributions and lasting impact.”
Collectively, this year’s recipients have expanded access to robotics, engineering, computer science, environmental science, esports, scientific research and career exploration. They have also developed partnerships with schools, colleges, businesses and community organizations that create meaningful STEM learning opportunities for students across Orange County.
This year’s recipients include:
- Kim Chanda, Solis Park K-8 School, Irvine Unified School District — Outstanding K-12 STEM Educator
- Thomas Duarte, Anaheim High School, Anaheim Union High School District — Outstanding Career Awareness Educator
- Ashton Fontyn, Robert M. Pyles STEM Academy, Magnolia School District — Outstanding K-12 STEM Educator
- Eric Garwick, Robert M. Pyles STEM Academy, Magnolia School District — Outstanding K–12 STEM Educator
- Dean Gilbert, Orange County Science & Engineering Fair, Outstanding Community Advocate in STEM Education
- Holly Kiernan, Harbor View Elementary School, Newport-Mesa Unified School District — Outstanding K–12 STEM Educator
- Kathleen Margaretich, El Morro Elementary School, Laguna Beach Unified School District — Outstanding K–12 STEM Educator
- Greg Miller, Orange Unified School District — Outstanding Leadership in STEM Education
- Lisa Prins, Los Alamitos Elementary School and Splatter Learning, Los Alamitos Unified School District, Outstanding Expanded Learning STEM Educator
- Gordon Richardson, Robert M. Pyles STEM Academy, Magnolia School District — Outstanding Career Awareness Educator in STEM
- Tabitha Thuku, Akiwa Farm STEM Hub — Innovation in Virtual STEM Instruction and Programming
- Robin Van Vorhis, Orange County Science & Engineering Fair — Leadership in STEM Education
To learn more about OCDE’s efforts to support STEM education through hands-on learning, collaboration and innovation, visit OCDE’s STEM Education webpage.