2025 Outstanding New Mexico STEM Teachers Awardees

The New Mexico Academy of Science Outstanding Science Teacher Awards honor New Mexico science and math educators, and have been given since 1968. The Academy recognizes educators who provide opportunities for students to succeed. Nominations are open to all science and math teachers in New Mexico and all Informal Science Educators. Awards are given annually to two Educators. The American Chemical Society has partnered with NMAS to present a monetary award to the NMAS winning teachers.

Tyza Faith Arenga Iwag

Tyza Faith Arenga Iwag who is currently a high school science teacher of physics, chemistry and physical science at Raton High School. She has a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master of Arts in Education with a major in Physical Science, and a Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major in Physical Science. She has participated in the Research Opportunity for Science Educators Program at UNM and the Teachers in Space-CubeSat Experiment, working on 3 research grants and authoring science education publications.

Her nominator described her exceptional dedication to science education and her leadership in curriculum innovation using project-based learning: “As a highly skilled and passionate high school science educator, she integrates diverse teaching strategies and technology to engage students while fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

Beyond the classroom, her leadership roles in curriculum development, AI education, and professional mentoring demonstrate her commitment to advancing STEM education and empowering both students and fellow educators. She serves as a Lead Facilitator and Curriculum Reviewer for the Everyday AI Curriculum in partnership with MIT, Boston College, and NMSU, where she has been facilitating professional development for teachers across New Mexico.

At Raton High School, she goes above and beyond to instill a love of STEM learning by fostering hands-on, inquiry- based experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom. She has created opportunities for students to engage with science through interactive demonstrations, collaborative projects, and mentorship from professionals in STEM fields. She implemented the Science Share-a-thon—a groundbreaking event at the school that allowed students to present their scientific investigations to their peers and the community. She was able to inspire students who previously had little exposure to or interest in STEM careers – including a student who will compete in the World’s Kidwind Challenge – a first for Raton High School. And one of her students discovered a passion for renewable energy after participating in her Wind Blade Design Challenge. Encouraged by Ms. Iwag’s mentorship, this student has pursued a certificate in Wind Energy, a path that started in her classroom.

Ms. Iwag’s resilience, creativity, and relentless drive to improve STEM learning have redefined the expectations for Raton High School students. She has shown them that, despite challenges, they can engage in rigorous, high-level scientific inquiry. Through her leadership, students who once saw science as distant or difficult now see themselves as capable scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. Her work not only elevates her school community but also contributes meaningfully to the broader educational landscape of New Mexico and beyond. NMAS is proud to recognize Tyza Faith Arenga Iwag as one of our 2025 Outstanding Science Educator Awardees.

Deb Novak

Deb Novak is currently a STEM Outreach Specialist for K-12 for the Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) NM STEM Academy (New Mexico Tech). She has a Master’s degree in Environmental Education, a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Ethnology, and Evolution and is currently participating in NM Tech’s Master’s Degree Program in Science Teaching. Ms. Novak was recently recognized as a New Mexico Presidential Award runner-up.

During her 40 years of experience as an educator, she has worked as a science classroom teacher and Science Department Head at Menaul School in Albuquerque, teaching 6th grade Physical Science, 7th grade Earth Science, High School Biology II, and additional science electives at all grade levels 6 – 12 and as a K-5 classroom teacher, Science Coordinator and Co-curricular Team Leader at Manzano Day School in Albuquerque. As an informal science educator she provided raptor education for Hawks Aloft, and was the Director of Education for 11 years at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science where, in addition to providing educational programs herself, she managed all educational programming and staff and educational budgets, and sourced additional funds through grants and other opportunities.

Her commitment to science education is evident through her leadership roles, including serving as Secretary and President for the New Mexico Science Teaching Association, and as a District Director for the National Science Teaching Association, where she has presented at conferences, reviewed journal submissions, and served on the Informal Science Board. She has worked for the community through the UNM STEM-H Advisory Board, the New Mexico Science Teachers Association (President 2015-2017), New Mexico Math Science Partnership Board member, New Mexico Academy of Science Board member, and the National Science Teachers Association (District XIII Director 2017-2020).

As her nominator stated,”she has taken advantage of every possible opportunity to learn new skills and enhance her knowledge and expertise in science education. There are too many to cite all of them but just a few include: Project Wet, Project Wild, Project Learning Tree trainee and trainer; National Outdoor Leadership for Teachers; DataStreme Mentor Teacher; NOAA Teacher at Sea; Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS Associate Training; Science Museum of Minnesota Peer Alliance for Gender Equity Training; NISE- net (National Informal STEM Educator Network) liaison; NEA Audubon Fellowship; NASA Endeavour Fellowship; and the Smithsonian Affiliates Technology in Education Fellowship.”

As an Informal Science Educator she successfully acquired numerous grants to enable the addition of new programs and educational materials for her students. These grants include the Meta Space Science Education Grant 2023, GSK Science in the Summer Grant 2021 – 2023, Smithsonian Affiliates Teen Climate Project Grant 2020, Smithsonian Affiliates Fossil Education Grant 2019, Energize NM EPSCOR grant PI- Teacher PD & Informal education 2013- 2018, LEAP into Science Grant – Franklin Institute 2016 – 2022, and the Lawrence Hall of Science GEMs Teacher Professional Development Guide Grant 2013.

Ms. Novak has expertise in both the formal and informal science education realms with diverse age groups. She has a record of successful educational leadership and work for the education community; and she has continuously improved her skills and knowledge as a science educator through specialized trainings. She has a deep commitment to sharing the wonders of science, enhancing science education, and advocating for the crucial role of scientific research. NMAS is proud to recognize Deb Novak as one of our 2025 Outstanding Science Educator Awardees.