Cross Plains STEAM teacher chosen as Grosvenor fellow; will develop National Geographic curricula

Tiffany Pace, the K‑5 STEAM teacher at Cross Plains Elementary, described her selection as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow and the student projects she brings back to Kanawha County Schools during a March 3 board meeting.

Pace said she was chosen as one of 32 Grosvenor teacher fellows and will serve a two‑year term working with National Geographic to create free classroom curriculum. She described an expedition to the Galápagos and an onboarding trip to Washington, D.C., and said the experience will inform lessons she shares with her students and other teachers.

“Anytime I do anything worldwide, I’m gonna bring that back to my students,” Pace told the board. She described a fourth‑grade project in which students designed Galápagos animals using the engineering design process, coded moving appendages with micro:bit devices and created calls to action — local steps children can take, such as using reusable water bottles and bags.

Board members praised Pace’s work and noted she was a finalist in a separate global teacher competition. Dr. Williams introduced Pace and said she had been among the top finalists for an international teacher prize; Pace said she also won travel awards connected to the recognition.

Why it matters: The fellowship will give a Kanawha County teacher direct access to National Geographic resources and professional networks, with curricular materials expected to be shared publicly and with local classrooms.

Next steps: Pace said she will host a professional development event on April 1 for visiting teachers and will circulate curriculum and multimedia from her fellowship as it becomes available.