GOODHUE, MN – Goodhue Public School is thrilled to announce that Sara Mangan, the district’s Kindergarten through 3rd-grade STEM teacher, has been selected as a 2024-2025 Outstanding Educator Award recipient by STEM Forward (formerly RAMSP). This regional honor celebrates K-12 professionals who demonstrate excellence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and are recognized for their initiative, leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Sara Mangan is one of three outstanding educators selected across southeast Minnesota. Recipients of this prestigious award are chosen for their ability to foster high student achievement, promote STEM careers, support continuous professional growth, and collaborate across schools, businesses, and post-secondary institutions.
Mangan’s journey into teaching STEM education is both inspiring and unique. After working as a dental hygienist for 10 years, she transitioned into education, holding roles as a paraprofessional, Reading Corps tutor, substitute teacher, and 5th-grade science teacher before becoming Goodhue’s K–3 STEM teacher five years ago. Since then, she has transformed the district’s early STEM programming with engaging, hands-on lessons that spark curiosity and build foundational skills in math, science, engineering, and technology.
She frequently brings STEM careers to life by inviting professionals-including a partnership with MnDOT-to lead students in hands-on learning, such as building bridges in the classroom. She also integrates real-world tools and technology to make learning interactive and meaningful.
Mangan also mentors new STEM teachers, collaborates with educators from neighboring school districts, and serves on the Computer Science Leadership Team at Goodhue Public School, helping to shape the district’s approach to STEM education. She has helped secure key grants, including the Project Lead the Way and Computer Science Education Advancement grants, that have expanded curriculum and professional development opportunities.
Beyond the classroom, Mangan plays a key leadership role in helping organize the annual Goodhue Public School STEM Fair, an event that encourages students to engage in scientific inquiry and showcase their research. She actively involves the community by recruiting local professionals to serve as STEM Fair judges, reinforcing the importance of STEM education and its impact beyond the school setting.
Mangan was honored alongside her fellow award recipients at the 33rd Annual STEM Forward Gathering. The event is hosted by Southeast Service Cooperative’s STEM Forward, a collaborative group of K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions, and business partners including IBM, Mayo Clinic, The Hormel Institute, and Workforce Development, Inc.
To learn more about Southeast Service Cooperative, visit www.ssc.coop.
To learn more about STEM Forward, visit https://www.ssc.coop/stemforward.
