From Honoree to Advocate: A STEAM Award’s Ripple Effect
At RAFT, we believe in celebrating educators who bring STEAM to life through hands-on learning. Our STEAM Teachers and Administrators of the Year Awards honor those who go above and beyond—and sometimes, that recognition inspires something even bigger.
Just ask Bryan Williams, a past STEAM Teacher of the Year award recipient who later nominated another winner. Now serving as RAFT’s Director of STEAM Programming, Bryan reflects on how being honored shaped his journey—and why lifting up others is just as rewarding.
“Winning RAFT’s STEAM Teacher of the Year award was truly an incredible and humbling experience,” Bryan shares. “It felt like a validation of the passion and hard work I poured into creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for my students.”
What made the recognition so meaningful was that it came from both a colleague and RAFT—an organization whose mission Bryan deeply admired. “It wasn’t just a personal achievement,” he says, “it felt like a win for all the messy, creative, and inquiry-based learning we do every day.”
The award also created a ripple effect. In his classroom, it renewed excitement for students. As an administrator, it gave him the confidence to try new, innovative projects. And professionally, it opened doors—ultimately leading him to his current role at RAFT.
The following year, Bryan submitted a nomination for Michelle Huesties, who would go on to become another recipient of the award. “Having experienced the positive impact of the award firsthand, I felt a strong desire to pay it forward,” he says. “I saw in Michelle the same spark, the same dedication to experiential learning and alignment with RAFT's mission that had been recognized in me. I wanted to shine a light on her incredible work and give her that same boost of encouragement and validation.”
Why Recognition Matters in STEAM Education
According to Bryan, recognizing educators is essential for building a thriving STEAM education community. “It creates a powerful positive feedback loop,” he explains. “It elevates the importance of innovative teaching, inspires others, and fosters collaboration.”
Awards like these highlight how vital the work our STEAM educators do. “These teachers are shaping the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers,” Bryan says. “By celebrating their work, we reinforce the value of STEAM education itself.”
If you’re thinking of nominating someone, Bryan’s advice is simple: “Do it! Don’t hesitate. Think about that educator who consistently goes above and beyond, who ignites a passion for STEAM in their students, who embodies the spirit of hands-on learning. Even if they don’t win, the act of nomination is a powerful acknowledgment of their impact.”
Recognizing STEAM educators and administrators isn’t just about awards—it’s about building a culture that values curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Do you know someone who deserves to be celebrated? Nominate a STEAM Teacher or Administrator of the Year today, and help us shine a light on the educators shaping our future.