Meet DoD STEM Ambassadors
The DoD STEM Ambassador Program recognizes outstanding educators and promotes STEM learning across the nation. DoD STEM Ambassadors are carefully chosen by the Department of Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) and DoD STEM based on their demonstrated history of commitment to working with students who have been historically underrepresented in STEM and/or are military connected.
The DoD STEM Ambassadors work together to create and curate remote learning and digital materials such as lesson plans, learning activities, and creative engagement approaches to be shared with educators.
“The opportunity to collaborate with other STEM teachers around the country with support from DoD STEM is unique and has already been incredible helpful. I love being a ‘thought partner’ with other educators.”
Jonté Lee
Chemistry and Physics Teacher,
DoD STEM Ambassador
“The opportunity to collaborate with other STEM teachers around the country with support from DoD STEM is unique and has already been incredible helpful. I love being a ‘thought partner’ with other educators.”
Jonté Lee
Chemistry and Physics Teacher,
DoD STEM Ambassador
DoD STEM Ambassadors & Partner Organizations
Vonceil Anderson
High School Chemistry Teacher, Maryland

Enrique Arce-Larreta
High School Science and Physics Teacher, Utah

Laura Drager
Elementary School Science Teacher, Ohio

Genevieve Esmende
Middle School Math Teacher, California

Theresa Goltermann
Curriculum Developer and Middle School Teacher, Virginia

Eriq Hearn
High School Physics Teacher, Georgia

Toni Kaui
Head of High School, Hawai'i

Jonté Lee
High School Chemistry Teacher, District of Columbia

Taren Long
Middle School Math Teacher, Maryland

Elizabeth Proctor
High School Biotechnology Teacher, Georgia

Christine Romero
Digital Learning Coach, New Mexico

Antia Thomas
Middle School Science Teacher, North Carolina

Elizabeth Vance
Middle School Science Teacher, Louisiana

Tameka Woodruff
Science and Technology Coordinator, Maryland

Ambassadors in the Blog

“When students are exposed to different backgrounds, points of view and cultures they become more open-minded and willing to work with others. Never underestimate the power of a person seeing themselves in the experiences of another person.”
Middle School Science Teacher, North Carolina
Featured Blog Post
Where’s My Champion?
The Importance of Mentors Who Look Like Their Students
Citizen Schools’ Catalyst program pairs mentors from diverse backgrounds with students to engage in meaningful real-world, problem-based projects that bridge gaps in education so that all students can succeed. In order to imagine themselves pursuing a career in STEM, students need to have authentic experiences, see diversity in their classrooms and be exposed to STEM career pathways.
Additional Recent Blog Posts