Iowa Academy of Science
Excellence in Science Teaching Awards

Nominations are accepted continuously throughout the year.
The submission deadline is February 19, 2023

The ESTA awards are presented at the Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting in April. There are seven categories:

  • Earth/Space Science/Environmental Science

  • Elementary Science*

  • General/Multiple Science (integrated science, interdisciplinary courses, multiple preps)

  • Life Science (biology, anatomy/physiology, life science)

  • Middle School/Junior High Science

  • Physical Science (physics, chemistry, and physical science)

  • Science Supervisory (District, private, AEA, museum, naturalist, etc.)

  • S.T.E.M. Science**

* Up to 2 awards may be presented annually for Elementary Science. One award may be presented in the other categories.

** Up to 3 awarded, one each at the Elementary, Middle, and High School level.

The winners of the ESTAs receive a plaque and a check for $100. The awards are presented at the IAS Annual Meeting in April. Learn more about the ESTAs and about making a nomination by downloading a brochure and following the directions below.

How to Nominate

These instructions are for nominators, nominees, self-nominators, and those providing letters of recommendation.

Step 1 - Read the ESTA Brochure

Read the ESTA Brochure. Make sure you understand the process before going to Step 2. You may contact the IAS office at 319-273-2581 if you have questions.

Step 2 - Notify Nominees

Nominators notify the nominee of your intent to submit a nomination/letter of support.  

Step 3 - Letters of Nomination and Support

Write the letter of nomination/support. The best way to submit nomination materials and letters of support is to link to the ESTA Nomination Page below. The form guides you through the process. Nominees, nominators, self-nominees, and those providing letters of support should review the nomination form below before beginning the process. The form must be filled out and submitted at one sitting - it cannot be saved.

If you prefer, nomination materials listed in the ESTA Brochure may also be submitted by mail. Send them to: ESTA Program, Iowa Academy of Science, BAR 2124, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0508. If you have questions please call the IAS office at 319-273-2581.

STEP 4 - Is the Application Complete?

Notify the nominee that they must submit an application and supporting materials to complete the nomination process. Be sure to allow enough time for everyone involved in the nomination process to have time to do their part. Nominators and nominees are responsible for making sure all forms and letters of support are submitted on time. The nomination is not complete until all forms have been submitted to the IAS office. The deadline is February 19th. Applications received after the 19th will be considered for next year.

Submit the ESTA Online Nomination, Letters of Support, and Supporting Materials

All nominating materials must be submitted by the deadline of Sunday, February 19, 2023.

Nominators, nominees, self-nominees, and those providing letters of support click on the button.

Refresh Your Nomination Materials

Nominees not selected in their first year of eligibility are automatically reconsidered the following year.  Nominees may refresh all or part of their nomination materials by using the ESTA Refresh Form below. After the second year a completely new nomination must be submitted to be considered for an ESTA again. The deadline for refreshing materials is February 19th.