Please join in congratulating our 2026 PSTA Awardees.
The Dr. William B. McIlwaine Science Teaching Award
The Dr. William B. McIlwaine Science Teaching Award is presented in honor of Dr. William B. McIlwaine, a legendary educator whose lifelong commitment to learning and leadership helped shape science education in Pennsylvania.
A highly decorated World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Dr. McIlwaine dedicated nearly 5 decades to education. He began his career as a high school science teacher before becoming a foundational leader at Millersville University, where he served as the inaugural chair of the Earth and Space Science Department, led the Elementary Education Department, was a member of the PASSHE Board of Governors for several years, and served with distinction on the Council of Trustees.
Dr. McIlwaine was a passionate advocate for hands-on, high-quality science instruction and a tireless supporter of future educators. This award honors his legacy by recognizing outstanding new science teachers who demonstrate that same dedication, passion, and promise in inspiring the next generation of scientific minds.
2026 Awardee - Nick Marino
We are pleased to recognize Nick Marino for his outstanding commitment to science education and his promise as an emerging leader in our profession.
Nick brings a remarkable combination of maturity, curiosity, content knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm for helping students learn. His nominator captured this perfectly, stating, “I have never met a student teacher who was more prepared to lead a classroom.”
Through hands-on investigations, engineering challenges, and thoughtful use of technology, Nick gives students opportunities to think critically, solve problems, and truly understand the science behind what they are doing. His dedication to continuous improvement and his genuine care for students are already making a lasting impact.
The Leadership in Science Education Award
The Leadership in Science Education Award is presented by the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association to an individual who is not actively involved in classroom teaching, but who has made outstanding contributions to science education and to the mission of PSTA and its members over a period of at least five years. PSTA recognizes that the support for science education comes from many sources and values that individuals may contribute to the field.
2026 Awardee - Wendy Martin
It is our pleasure to recognize Wendy Martin with the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association Leadership in Science Education Award.
For more than two decades, Wendy has dedicated her career to making high-quality, hands-on science education more accessible to teachers and students across Pennsylvania. Through her leadership with Science in Motion, she has helped provide resources, equipment, professional learning, and laboratory experiences to schools throughout the Commonwealth—reaching more than 99,000 students and supporting thousands of teachers.
Her nominator described her impact beautifully: “She quietly works behind the scenes to remove barriers for teachers so they can focus on inspiring students.”
Through her advocacy, partnerships, leadership, and tireless commitment to equitable access to science education, Wendy has strengthened science teaching across Pennsylvania.
The Donald Keys Excellence in Science Teaching Awards
The Donald Keys Excellence in Science Teaching Award honors an educator whose work embodies the spirit of one of Pennsylvania’s most dedicated advocates for science education.
Donald E. Keys spent 30 years inspiring students as a physics teacher in the North Hills School District. His influence, however, extended far beyond his own classroom. For more than three decades, he served as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association, quietly and tirelessly supporting science educators throughout Pennsylvania.
Don believed that great science teaching was about much more than delivering content. He believed great teachers spark curiosity, encourage students to explore, and help young people develop a lifelong interest in understanding how the world works.
We are proud to recognize three educators who embody that same spirit of excellence.
2026 Awardee – High School Level - Rebecca “Becky” Mortland
Rebecca “Becky” Mortland’s enthusiasm for science and teaching is evident in every aspect of her work.
Becky has created innovative, hands-on learning experiences that make complex science accessible, meaningful, and engaging for her students. Whether students are exploring anatomy through creative models and investigations or tackling challenging scientific concepts, Becky finds ways to make learning memorable.
Her nomination captures what makes her such an exceptional educator: “What makes Becky truly exceptional is her commitment to ensuring that every student can be successful.”
That commitment extends well beyond her classroom through her work in science outreach, mentorship, student organizations, and professional learning. Becky has made a tremendous impact not only on her students, but also on her colleagues and the broader science education community.
2026 Awardee – Middle School Level - Ken “KC” Cahall
Ken “KC” Cahall is an educator who brings creativity, innovation, and a genuine passion for science to his students every day.
KC has developed meaningful learning experiences that connect students to science through exploration of the natural world and authentic, hands-on investigations. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of both science content and how students learn best.
As his nomination states, “His mastery of science content is evident in the comprehensive outdoor science curriculum and learning tasks he has developed, which align with grade-level STEELS standards while making science engaging, relevant, and accessible to all learners.”
Through his creativity and dedication, KC helps students see science not simply as something they study, but as something they experience, question, and understand.
2026 Awardee – Elementary Level - Jessica McCullough
Jessica McCullough’s classroom exemplifies what meaningful, student-centered science learning can look like.
Jessica creates powerful experiences that encourage students to question, investigate, discuss, experiment, and make sense of the world around them. She skillfully integrates the STEELS standards while ensuring that students’ own experiences, interests, and identities are valued as part of the learning process.
Her nominator noted, “Ms. McCullough not only integrates the multiple dimensions of the STEELS standards into learning experiences, but also elevates students’ backgrounds, interests, and identities as they explore science.”
Jessica’s influence extends beyond her classroom through her leadership in curriculum development, assessment, and professional learning. She has become a trusted resource for colleagues and a champion for developing the next generation of scientific thinkers.
Pennsylvania Science Administrator of the Year
The Science Administrator of the Year Award recognizes ongoing excellence in the leadership of science education. It honors a school administrator who serves as a champion for science education and science educators and demonstrates a sustained commitment to improving science opportunities for students. PSTA knows that administrative support of quality science programs and the science educators who teach within a school is an essential component to ensuring that all students receive a solid science foundation.
2026 Awardee - Brendan Hathaway
We are honored to recognize Brendan Hathaway as the Pennsylvania Science Administrator of the Year.
Brendan has demonstrated what is possible when an administrator believes deeply in the value of science education and is willing to invest in that belief. In a small, rural district with limited resources, he has created innovative opportunities that rival those found in much larger school systems.
His nomination states that he “has demonstrated that innovative, high-quality science education is possible regardless of a district’s size or financial limitations.”
Through investments in STEELS instruction, agricultural education, drone certification, aquaponics, food science, and authentic hands-on learning, Brendan has expanded the ways students can experience science and connect it to future careers.
But perhaps his greatest contribution is the message his leadership sends: every student deserves access to innovative, meaningful, and high-quality science education—regardless of where they live.
You can read more about each award on the PSTA Awards page. Take a look at the slide show to see the recipients as well. Nominations for the 2026 awards will open late spring, so be sure to keep an eye out for that email.