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Nebraska Teacher of the Year Lindsay Wilson highlights student-led research, STEM programs at Bennington Middle School
Summary
Lindsay Wilson, the 2025 Nebraska Teacher of the Year and a seventh-grade teacher at Bennington Middle School, addressed the board about district-wide student-led research, a 'Curious Creators' expo, after-school Explorer Lab, and student presentations at state and national venues.
Lindsay Wilson, the 2025 Nebraska Teacher of the Year and a seventh-grade science, math and social-studies teacher at Bennington Middle School, presented to the board about student-led research and district STEM and arts initiatives.
Wilson described projects that give students ownership of research and public presentation: a student-led moon-jelly symposium, a Mesosaurus Museum exhibit, and a "Curious Creators" expo that brings elementary and middle school students together to showcase science and art projects. She said one second grader told her she could not participate in other activities because "everybody wants to hear about my science project," a remark Wilson used to emphasize the value of student voice and authentic audience.
Wilson said students have co-presented with her to groups of new teachers, to the Nebraska State Board of Education, and that she recently took students' questions to Capitol Hill. She described district partnerships that helped build a hydroponic system and work toward an aquaponics system to benefit multiple classrooms.
Wilson thanked the district, families and colleagues and urged continued support for teachers. "When we protect and support our teachers, our students benefit, their curiosity grows, their confidence soars, and their potential becomes limitless," she told the board.
