Square One Education Network’s Karl Klimek Earns Rare George G. Mallinson Award from Michigan Science Teachers Association; Takes New Role with STEM Nonprofit
Karl Klimek, long-time executive director of the Square One Education Network, will be awarded the George G. Mallinson Award by the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) at the MSTA Awards Program and Dinner on March 24 in Novi. The George G. Mallinson Award is the highest honor the MSTA can bestow to an individual for contributions to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, as well as MSTA programs and initiatives. Throughout the MSTA’s 64-year history, the award has been presented to just 16 recipients.
“Having worked alongside Karl for many years, I have witnessed firsthand his commitment to getting students of all ages interested in the sciences, technology and engineering,” said Barb Land, operations director, Square One Education Network. “Karl’s devotion to mentoring teachers and his passion for STEM are contagious, and I am delighted he is receiving this recognition. Square One has great respect for the MSTA and we’re thrilled that they have elected to honor Karl with this prestigious award.”
The MSTA Awards Program and Dinner, which will honor Klimek and other leaders in science education, is part of the MSTA 64th Annual Conference: Putting Legs on the New Science Standards. This year’s conference is scheduled for March 23-25 at the Suburban Collection Showplace, and will focus on how innovative curriculums will better prepare students for advanced learning and careers.
“At our annual conference, educators across Michigan seek new strategies and resources to engage and challenge students as they answer questions about the world of science. They explore research-based materials and ideas that can be implemented when they return to their home districts and communities,” said Robby Cramer, executive director, MSTA. “Karl Klimek is someone who continually influences those conversations with his extraordinary contributions to the advancement of science education at the local, state and national level. We are honored to include him in our prestigious list of MSTA award winners.”
Klimek Takes New Role with the Square One Education Network
Klimek has lead Square One since 2001, helping to grow its programs, impact and reach, and igniting excitement for STEM-related learning and career options in tens of thousands of students throughout Michigan and beyond. After 16 years at the organization’s helm, Klimek will assume a new role as strategic advisor, which will enable him to continue to be involved with the vision and purpose of Square One while allowing him time to devote to his other initiatives, including his roles as author, speaker, photographer and implementer of his Celebratory Leadership framework for youth with the California-based Dive Into Space program.
“The Square One nation is strong, and I look forward to it continuing its mission to empower teachers, and engage students as they develop their skills, build passion and become our next generation of technical leaders,” said Klimek. “I am proud of the growing Square One staff and hope to support their needs as they pursue the organization’s important vision.”
For more information about the MSTA and its annual conference, and on this year’s MSTA Awards Program and Dinner, please visit http://www.msta-mich.org. To learn more about the Square One Education Network and its commitment to STEM education, visit http://squareonenetwork.org.
———————————-
ABOUT SQUARE ONE
The Square One Education Network empowers teachers with a complete set of resources for students to engage, using hands-on learning tools and modern learning fundamentals, with the intent of developing skills needed to become the next generation technical workforce. This year, Square One will invest $350,000 toward school grants, professional development workshops for teachers, and Innovative Vehicle Design (IVD) Performance Challenge programs. Its work will reach 11,000 students and 250 teachers. For more information, please visit www.squareonenetwork.org.
