Seton educator selected as Outstanding Elementary STEM Teacher

 The South Dakota Science Teaching Association is proud to recognize Brenda Mizenko as the 2026 Outstanding Elementary STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) Teacher. Mizenko is an elementary library and STEM teacher at St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School of the Rapid City Catholic School System. Mizenko leads all library and STEM programming, including, but not limited to, the Junior Master Gardener and Honey Bee Cohort programs. She also coordinates annual STREAM Day promoting inquiry and collaboration across grade levels. Her colleague, Marcia Torgrude, noted Mizenko’s exceptional dedication, innovative teaching methods, and profound impact on students, and said, “experiential learning is a hallmark of her teaching.”

Mizenko was recognized and presented with her $1,000 award at the SD STEM Ed Conference in Huron, a joint professional development conference hosted by SDSTA and the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Support for this award comes from Midwest Dairy, a checkoff organization representing over 3,600 dairy farms to 41.8 million consumers across the region.

The South Dakota Science Teaching Association is an organization created by teachers, for teachers. The purpose of SDSTA shall be the advancement, stimulation, extension, improvement, and coordination of science education in all fields of science at all educational levels.