Cedar Middle School Educators Named STEM Teachers of the Year

Two outstanding educators at Cedar Middle School have captured the spotlight this spring, earning the prestigious Southern Utah STEM Teachers of the Year recognition for their transformative work in science and technology education.

Lisa Allred claimed the Excellence in Science award, while Dale Prince secured the Excellence in Technology honor.

These accolades come at a pivotal moment for STEM education in Cedar City, where innovative learning initiatives continue to expand across the region.

The recognition carries special weight because teachers are nominated by students and community members, making these awards a true reflection of classroom impact.

Allred has spent nearly three decades shaping young minds, including extensive high school biology instruction and student government advising before settling into her current role as a seventh-grade science teacher at Cedar Middle School over the past 16 years.

Her passion for outdoor adventures translates directly into classroom excitement, as she works to instill that same sense of discovery in her students.

Meanwhile, Prince brings an impressive 29-year career in education, primarily focused on middle school mathematics, to his new venture teaching technology this academic year.

His innovative approach seamlessly weaves advanced mathematical concepts like graphing into eighth-grade shop classes, demonstrating how traditional subjects can enhance technical learning.

The timing of these honors coincides with broader STEM momentum throughout Southern Utah, where educational partnerships continue to flourish.

Regional institutions like Southern Utah University have recently expanded their STEM outreach with innovative mobile laboratory programs designed to bring hands-on learning directly to rural communities.

The Southern Utah STEM Awards span multiple counties, recognizing educators from kindergarten through twelfth grade across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.

For Cedar City educators like Allred and Prince, the recognition highlights not just individual excellence but the broader commitment to preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven future.

Their success reflects the growing emphasis on practical, engaging STEM education that connects classroom learning to real-world applications and career pathways throughout the region.