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Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Track 3

Elevating Secondary STEM Teacher Leaders in Arizona

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Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Track 3

The National Science Foundation Noyce Track 3 program is dedicated to preparing and supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educators to enhance STEM education. Through its innovative initiatives, the program aims to attract talented individuals into teaching careers, provide them with rigorous training, and support their professional growth. The Noyce Track 3 program seeks to inspire current educators who can effectively engage students in STEM fields, ultimately improving student achievement and interest in STEM careers across communities.

This grant is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Program details

Arizona State University was recently awarded a Noyce Track 3 grant that focuses on supporting high school STEM teachers throughout Arizona by providing professional development opportunities. The professional development program spans five years, focusing on practical artificial intelligence applications, machine learning, and community outreach. Teachers will explore fundamental AI concepts through relatable examples like virtual assistants and personalized recommendations, gaining hands-on experience with tools such as image recognition and chatbots. Emphasizing engineering habits of mind like design thinking and collaboration, this phase aims to develop problem-solving skills for AI integration. Regarding machine learning, teachers will learn about data recognition and classification models using platforms like Google's Teachable Machine, illustrating real-world applications and demystifying AI. There is also a focus on community outreach, encouraging educators to develop tailored engagement activities — such as AI awareness events, family learning nights, and outreach initiatives — to increase AI literacy and inspire future AI professionals within their communities.

Salary supplement

If selected as a Master Teacher Fellow, participants will receive a salary supplement of $10,000 per year for a total of five years. To earn the salary supplement, the participant must complete all project activities. Failure to complete five years of professional development will require the Master Teacher Fellow to return all funds.

Master Teacher Fellow expectations

Master Teacher Fellows are expected to attend approximately three to four weeks of professional development, primarily over the summer at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Master Teacher Fellows are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, food, parking, and any other related expenses to attend professional development. Master Teacher Fellows are also expected to attend professional development through Zoom once a month during the academic year. Furthermore, Master Teacher Fellows must allow project personnel to visit their classrooms at least twice a year throughout the project. This may not be an all-inclusive list.

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Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

Be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States
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Be licensed to teach a STEM subject at the high school level in the state of Arizona and be currently teaching in that authorized subject area with a standard clear certificate
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Have a bachelor's degree in a content-specific STEM area, education or a related field
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Possess a master’s degree in education, STEM or a related field
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Have at least seven years of experience as a secondary STEM teacher
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Be a current secondary school STEM teacher (grades 6-12) in a face-to-face setting in the area of certification by the state of Arizona with a standard clear certificate
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Be committed to using artificial intelligence in the classroom
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Be committed to continuing to teach face-to-face in the STEM secondary classroom for the next five years
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Two scientists writing on a clear whiteboard in a lab

Districts served by our Master Teacher Fellows

This map highlights the diverse districts represented by our Master Teacher Fellows, showcasing the widespread support and collaboration among educators from many different communities across the region. Our fellows come from a wide range of districts, including unified districts and union high school districts, reflecting the broad reach and impact of our program. The involvement of STEM high school teachers from such a variety of districts helps build a rich exchange of ideas and best practices, ultimately enhancing STEM education across the region. The collective expertise and experiences represented on this map contribute to strengthening the quality and reach of AI and STEM learning opportunities for students throughout multiple Arizona communities.

Agua Fria Union High School District
1
Casa Grande Union High School District
2
Chandler Unified District
3
Deer Valley Unified District
4
Glendale Union High School District
5
Mesa Unified District
6
Peoria Unified School District
7
Phoenix Union High School District
8
Scottsdale Unified School District
9
Tolleson Union High School District
10
Tucson Unified School District
11

Introducing Our Master Teacher Fellows

The 18 Master Teacher Fellows selected are high school educators from Arizona schools, specializing in STEM education. The group of Master Teacher Fellows includes 10 teachers in science, one teacher in technology, one teacher in mathematics and science, and six teachers in mathematics. These experienced teachers are dedicated to improving student engagement and achievement in STEM subjects, demonstrating their leadership in implementing innovative and effective teaching strategies in Arizona’s high schools.

Thank you to the nearly 100 applicants who expressed interest in serving as a Master Teacher Fellow. The applicant pool was highly competitive, and unfortunately, not everyone could be selected to participate. Appreciation is extended for the time and effort invested in the application process. Those interested in being considered for other opportunities are encouraged to click the “Apply now” link to leave contact information for future professional development opportunities.

Stacy Brady

District: Casa Grande Union High School District

School name: Casa Grande Union High School

Content area: Science

Ms. Stacy Brady is serving as a high school biology teacher with 23 years of experience in the classroom and 3 years as an instructional coach. She earned her master's degree in 2025 in Biology. Ms. Brady currently teaches biology and works at Casa Grande Union High School. Her favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is watching students wrestle with and conquer challenges head on and finding their self-confidence from this experience. Outside of teaching, she enjoys traveling, reading, and crafting. She is a proud mom of two sons and a dog mom of two labs.

Michael Cooke

District: Mesa Public Schools

School name: Dobson High School

Content area: Science

Mr. Michael Cooke is currently a high school science teacher with 8 years of teaching experience. He earned his master’s degree in Secondary Education. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. Mr. Cooke currently teaches chemistry and psychology at Dobson High School in Mesa, Arizona. His favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is building relationships with students to help them build the confidence and skills needed to be successful on whatever path they choose in life. Mr. Cooke’s dedication to improving student outcomes has helped him to get voted as the “Most Influential Teacher” by the graduating senior class at Dobson, each of the last 4 years. Outside of teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, and taking road trips in the family RV.

Natasha Dahlberg

District: Phoenix Union High School District

School name: Phoenix Coding Academy

Content area: Mathematics

Ms. Natasha Dahlberg is currently a high school mathematics teacher with 17 years of experience in the classroom; 13 years at the middle school level and 4 years at the high school level. She earned her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds certifications in middle school mathematics and science as well as high school mathematics and health. Ms. Dahlberg currently teaches Integrated Mathematics 1-2 and 3-4 Honors at Phoenix Coding Academy, a small specialty school in the Phoenix Union High School District. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is the fact that she gets to fulfill her dream of being a lifelong learner; something she tries to encourage her learners to be. Outside of teaching, she enjoys running, hiking, CrossFit, yoga, reading, and going to the movies.

Zack Davis

District: Glendale Union High School District

School name: Apollo High School

Content area: Science

Mr. Zachary Davis is a high school science teacher with 19 years of experience. He earned his master’s degree in Science Teaching and holds bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Science Education. Mr. Davis currently teaches physics and chemistry at Apollo High School in Glendale. He is grateful to be a science teacher because he sees students eagerly exploring and taking pride when they make their own sense of the world. Outside of education Mr. Davis can be found goofing off with his two sons or hiking canyons and mountains.

Po-pé Enrique

District: Phoenix Union High School District

School name: Phoenix Union Bioscience High School

Content area: Mathematics

Mr. Po-pé Enrique is a high school mathematics teacher with 19 years of teaching experience all at Bioscience High School in the Phoenix Union High School District. He earned a master's degree in Secondary Curriculum and a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering. His favorite part of teaching is hearing the oohs and aahs when students make connections in their learning during a carefully cultivated lesson. Mr. Enrique is the founding mentor and has mentored his FIRST Robotics Competition team (FRC), Dragon Robotics 2375, for 19 years.

Alex Escobar

District: Phoenix Union High School District

School name: Maryvale High School

Content area: Mathematics

Miss Alexandra Escobar is a mathematics teacher with 12 years of experience in the classroom, one year at the middle school level, which was the longest year of her life, and 11 years at the high school level. Miss Escobar earned her two master’s degrees in Mathematics and in Educational Leadership. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education. Miss Escobar currently teaches Algebra 3-4H, AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC. Miss Escobar has also taught Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Financial Mathematics. Miss Escobar’s favorite part about teaching mathematics is sharing her mathematics knowledge with her students, encouraging students to enjoy mathematics, and ideally encouraging students to study a STEM related field. Miss Escobar’s favorite part about mathematics is the struggle of figuring out a problem and finally understanding. Outside of teaching, Miss Escobar enjoys reading books, coding, building 3D models, 3D printing, painting, playing video games, solving mathematics problems or proofs and crafting.

Mark Farrell

District: Agua Fria Union High School District

School name: Goodyear High School

Content area: Technology

Mr. Mark Farrell is an experienced educator with 25 years in the field, including 16 years teaching high school mathematics and 3 years serving as an Assistant Principal. He holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a master’s degree in Elementary Education, and is currently completing a master’s degree in IT Management, soon to be completed. Mr. Farrell teaches in the Agua Fria Union High School District, where he will launch and lead a new pathway in network security, software development, and app design.

His favorite aspect of teaching STEM at the high school level is helping students build practical, future-ready skills while building problem-solving, creativity, and confidence in emerging technologies. Outside of teaching, Mr. Farrell enjoys watching movies and TV shows.

Mike Fernandes

District: Scottsdale Unified School District

School name: Saguaro High School

Content area: Mathematics

Mr. Michael Fernandes is currently a mathematics teacher with 26 years of experience in the classroom. He earned his bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in Mathematics and Educational Technology. Mr. Fernandes currently teaches Statistics and Algebra at Saguaro High School in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Before switching to regular education, Mr. Fernandes spent 19 years working with special needs students in the high school setting. His favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is allowing them to see how the equations play out in real world scenarios. Outside of teaching, he enjoys golfing, mountain biking, and visiting our National Parks.

Cheryl Fiedler

District: Peoria Unified School District

School name: Sunrise Mountain High School

Content area: Science

Ms. Cheryl Fiedler is a high school science teacher with 23 years of experience in the classroom. She earned her master’s degree in Chemistry, and she also holds a master’s degree in Zoology as well as a master’s degree in Education. Ms. Fiedler currently teaches Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Biology, Honors, Biology and AP Chemistry and works at Sunrise Mountain High School in the Peoria Unified School District. Her favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is helping students to learn and accomplish more than they ever thought they could. Outside of teaching, she enjoys all things Disney—from the movies to the theme parks.

Erik Fleming

District: Tucson Unified School District

School name: Tucson High Magnet School

Content area: Science

Mr. Erik Fleming is currently a high school science teacher with 10 years of experience in the classroom. He earned his master’s degree in Geoscience, and he also holds a bachelor’s degree. Mr. Fleming currently teaches dual enrollment Geology and AP Chemistry and works at Tucson High Magnet School. His favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is helping students access college and career track courses, especially for students that might otherwise not see those options. Outside of teaching, he enjoys gardening and dancing Argentine Tango.

Randy Fulford

District: Tolleson Union High School District

School name: West Point High School

Content area: Science

Randy Fulford is a high school science teacher with 10 years of experience teaching Biology and AP Biology. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology and Ecology, a Master of Science in Geographical Information Science, and a Master of Education in Online Learning and Adult Education. Mr. Fulford teaches at West Point High School in the Tolleson Union High School District. He is passionate about developing inquiry-based science curriculum that encourages students to think critically, analyze evidence, and make informed decisions about the world around them. His favorite part of teaching STEM is helping students develop the scientific thinking skills they need for success both inside and outside the classroom. Outside of teaching, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée, caring for his French Bulldog, Stuart, and growing an ever-expanding jungle of houseplants.

Lorena Hernandez

District: Glendale Union High School District

School name: Glendale High School

Content area: Science

Mrs. Lorena Hernandez is a high school science teacher with 23 years of experience in the classroom. She earned her master’s degree in Bilingual and Multicultural Education, and she also holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology. Mrs. Hernandez currently teaches Honors/AP Biology and works at Glendale High School. Her favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is facilitating students' engagement in scientific inquiry. Outside of teaching, she enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling with family. She lives with her husband, two teenage daughters, and a dog.

Chantel Iosefo

District: Glendale Union High School District

School name: Sunnyslope High School

Content area: Mathematics

Mrs. Chantel Iosefo is currently a high school mathematics teacher with 14 years of experience in the classroom. She earned her master's degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Education, and she also holds a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education (Mathematics). Mrs. Iosefo currently teaches Mathematics and works at Sunnyslope High School in the Glendale Union High School District. Her favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is seeing the students make connections to content in real world applications. Outside of teaching, she enjoys caring for her family, Polynesian dancing for fun, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Erin Long

District: Glendale Union High School District

School name: Thunderbird High School

Content area: Science

Mrs. Erin Long is a high school science teacher with 23 years of experience in the classroom. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Education, and master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Long currently teaches Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science and works at Thunderbird High School in the Glendale Union High School District. Her favorite part of teaching STEM is providing opportunities for students to make real change in the world. For example, teaching environmental science students how to grow and produce natural luffas can result in less plastic sponges. Outside of teaching, she enjoys coaching Speech and Debate and teaching Archery at Girl Scout Camp.

Christina Lupro

District: Tolleson Union High School District

School name: West Point High School

Content area: Mathematics

Ms. Lupro is a high school mathematics teacher with 19 years of experience in the classroom. She earned her master’s degree in Statistics, and she also holds a master’s degree in Psychology and bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Ms. Lupro currently teaches AP Statistics and College Mathematics and works at West Point High School in the Tolleson Union High School District. Her favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is the chance to use real data to show students how to apply statistics outside of the classroom and connect to their own lives. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her three dogs and cooking for her family.

Kelsey Timms

District: Deer Valley Unified School District

School name: Barry Goldwater High School

Content area: Mathematics and Science

Ms. Kelsey Timms is currently a high school mathematics and science teacher with 8 years of experience in the classroom. She earned her master's and bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics. Ms. Timms currently teaches Algebra 3-4 and IB Physics and works at Barry Goldwater High School in the Deer Valley District. Her favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is watching students gain confidence both in and out of the classroom. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her family.

Jon Vitton

District: Chandler Unified School District

School name: Arizona College Prep High School

Content area: Science

Mr. Jon Vitton is a high school biology teacher with 25 years of experience in the classroom. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology, and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Vitton currently teaches biology and works at Chandler Unified School District. His favorite part of teaching STEM to high school students is applying the latest and most exciting technologies to his classes. Outside of teaching, he enjoys playing drums, growing vegetables, and restoring old video games.

David Wirth

District: Agua Fria Union High School District

School name: Millennium High School

Content area: Science

Mr. David Wirth has taught mathematics and physics in Arizona for 34 years. He currently teaches physics at Millennium High School in the Agua Fria Union High School District, where he has the opportunity to work with outstanding AP and IB students. He also enjoys teaching physics in the evenings at Estrella Mountain Community College. Mr. Wirth earned his master’s degree in Physics Modeling Instruction. He was honored to be named the PhysTEC National Physics Teacher of the Year in 2021 and the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Teacher of the Year in 2023. Even after all these years, he still looks forward to coming to work each day and finding new ways to challenge his students. His favorite part of teaching is when his students get excited about a new topic and their eyes light up. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and teaching his grandchildren about physics.

Contact information

Dr. Terri L. Kurz, PI 
Associate Professor of STEM Education
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation
[email protected]

Dr. Tirupalavanam G. Ganesh, Co-PI 
Tooker Professor and Associate Dean, Student Success and Outreach
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
[email protected]

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) under Grant No. 2444090. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations presented do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

On This Page:

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Track 3

Program details

Salary supplement

Master Teacher Fellow expectations

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

Districts served by our Master Teacher Fellows

Introducing Our Master Teacher Fellows

Stacy Brady

Michael Cooke

Natasha Dahlberg

Zack Davis

Po-pé Enrique

Alex Escobar

Mark Farrell

Mike Fernandes

Cheryl Fiedler

Erik Fleming

Randy Fulford

Lorena Hernandez

Chantel Iosefo

Erin Long

Christina Lupro

Kelsey Timms

Jon Vitton

David Wirth

Contact information