Celebrating Innovation: Meet The Henry Ford’s Teacher Innovator Award Winners of 2025

Every year The Henry Ford’s Teacher Innovator Awards recognize America’s most innovative educators. These awards are designed to celebrate teachers who inspire students in their classrooms through innovation and invention education. We are pleased to announce and introduce The Henry Ford’s Teacher Innovator Award winners for 2025:

inHub Teacher of the Year: Shannon Kirkland-Butts

Shannon Kirkland-Butts is the Director of Innovation and Education Technology at St. James Day School in Texarkana, Texas. In this role, she fosters innovation and invention education by creating and implementing developmentally appropriate technology that supports achievement for students, faculty and staff. She also ensures that innovative tools and resources are integrated throughout the core curriculum, supporting teachers during implementation to enhance student learning outcomes.

For Shannon, equity is at the forefront of her efforts as she strives to create inclusive environments where all students have the opportunity to succeed. This is also the motivation for incorporating curricula such as STEAM, entrepreneurship and computer science into education to equip students with the skills they need to tackle real-world problems and excel in their future careers.

In addition to the technology component of her work, Shannon is deeply invested in mentoring students by providing leadership opportunities. “As a classroom instructor and camp counselor, I empower students to take on leadership roles, fostering their development as innovators and problem solvers,” she explains. “This hands-on experience not only builds their confidence but also prepares them for leadership positions in the future.”

Invention Convention Teacher of the Year: Wanda Carter

Wanda Carter is the K-12 Gifted Services Coordinator and K-5 Gifted Intervention Specialist at Belle Aire Intermediate School in Washington Court House, Ohio. Throughout 13 years in public education, Wanda has amassed an impressive resume of leadership roles and has engaged in a myriad of professional development opportunities to hone her skills and guide her work as she fosters critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity in her students.

For the past four years, Wanda has participated in Invention Convention through the Ohio Invention League and developed coursework to support Invention Convention within her school and district. In the classroom, Wanda fully embodies the inventive spirit as she promotes collaboration, growth and creativity while encouraging students to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and practice open communication.

To be considered for the Invention Convention Teacher of the Year award, educators had to be nominated by an Invention Convention affiliate. Wanda was nominated by Robin Hilsmeier, Director of the Ohio Invention League. According to Robin, Wanda has been an inspiring force in her district and says: “Her unwavering commitment to guiding students through the invention process has resulted in regional, state and national competition award-winning students." Robin calls Wanda "a true champion of the program" who sets a stellar example for fellow educators, fostering innovation and serving as a model of dedication and excellence."

We are honored to present these awards to such deserving educators. Their dedication to innovation and invention education is truly inspiring and we are thrilled to have these educators as part of the inHub and Invention Convention community.

Teacher Innovator Award winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2025 RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals on June 4-6, where they will have the opportunity to take part in student judging and receive their awards at the event's ceremony on June 6. Winners also receive $3,000 for classroom supplies and a 1-year membership to The Henry Ford.

For more information on The Henry Ford's educational programs, learning tools and more, visit www.inhub.thehenryford.org.