DUBLIN, CA — An Emerald High School engineering teacher won two prestigious national recognitions. Priscilla Barton was named a 2026-27 Society for Science STEM Outreach Advocate, a professional development program supporting mentors working to increase the number of students entering STEM research competitions. She was also recently named a 2026-27 Project Lead The Way Outstanding Teacher Award, which celebrates excellence in teaching STEM and career-connected education.
Barton teaches courses like Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and AP Capstone, an AP-level thesis project accompanied by an academic research paper. Barton said that one of her educational aims is to help students navigate and overcome barriers to taking part in science fairs and other competitions. She also advises the Emerald Engineering Society and the school's chapter of the Society for Women Engineers.
"There are so many rules now that it is intimidating for students to decide what to study and it can almost be a deterrent from participating so I am hoping to help students remove those barriers so that they can experience true and compelling research of their own," Barton said.
Barton was one of 100 educators selected for the 2026-27 Society for Science Advocate Program, which recognizes the role educators play in helping students move from pursuing independent research to sharing their work in competitions. As an Advocate, she helps students identify appropriate competitions, navigate application requirements, meet deadlines, and communicate their research effectively.
She will receive training and support from Society staff, mentorship from Lead Advocate, a $3,000 stipend, and an all-expense-paid trip to the Advocate Training Institute in Washington, D.C.
See here to learn more about the Advocates program.
Barton was also named a PLTW Outstanding Teacher Award, a national recognition program honoring educators who excel at teaching STEM. The award recognizes STEM teachers who help students develop practical skills and confidence, create engaging classroom experiences, expand STEM to more students, and more. It is sponsored by Project Lead The Way, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit advancing STEM education. See here for more information.
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