A Monticello teacher has won an Iowa STEM award. Dylan Shaffer, a science and intro to STEM teacher at Monticello Community School District, was announced Wednesday as the Northeast STEM Region 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Recipient. Shaffer is in his eighth year of teaching. Shaffer and the other 5 teachers in each STEM region, were selected for their outstanding contributions to STEM education and for demonstrating innovative teaching practices, commitment to student success and efforts to integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) into the classroom in meaningful ways. As a recipient of the 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, the teachers will receive $1,500 to use for the classroom and $1,500 for personal use. They will also be honored through various statewide recognition opportunities.
