On August 4, the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) hosted an awards celebration in Costa Mesa to honor the county’s leading science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators. Held at the Orange County Department of Education Conference Center, the annual event recognized 11 recipients of the 2026 Outstanding STEM Educator Awards, with nine of the honorees attending alongside their families, friends, colleagues, and education leaders. The gathering celebrated their significant and varied contributions to STEM education across Orange County.
The awards, presented by OCDE in partnership with Inside the Outdoors, aim to acknowledge educators and community leaders who create diverse opportunities for students to explore STEM. These opportunities encompass hands-on learning, robust career exploration, valuable mentorship programs, and a range of other enriching experiences designed to foster student interest and development. This year’s recipients represented schools, districts, and community organizations from throughout Orange County. Their contributions spanned several vital areas, including direct K-12 instruction, impactful career awareness initiatives, comprehensive expanded learning programs, dedicated community advocacy, and strong leadership within the broader STEM education landscape.
The celebration was marked by laughter, applause, and a strong sense of pride from supporters gathered to see the honorees receive recognition. John Fox, OCDE’s program specialist for mathematics, noted the event’s particular meaning, stating, "something incredibly special about recognizing the Orange County Department of Education’s 2026 Outstanding STEM Educators." Fox expressed an overwhelming sense of pride, noting that these remarkable educators are helping to transform the lives of students across Orange County. He emphasized that seeing the recipients surrounded by their families, friends, and colleagues was truly inspiring, and added that the evening was filled with laughter, smiles, and considerable joy, reflecting the positive atmosphere.
The 11 distinguished recipients were chosen through a competitive nomination and review process. A panel composed of educators and community leaders was responsible for selecting this year’s honorees. According to Fox, the recognition underscored the broader impact of the educators’ work, serving as a powerful affirmation of its importance and the lasting effect they have on the students they serve. Collectively, the award recipients have expanded opportunities for students in critical areas such as robotics, engineering, computer science, environmental science, esports, scientific research, and career exploration.
