Teacher Spotlight: Meet Susan Solomon

NAGC STEM Network Teacher Spotlight: Meet Susan Solomon

Susan Solomon

Gifted Specialist at JKL Bahweting Anishinaabe School

President of the Michigan Association for Gifted Children

Could you please introduce yourself?

I am Susan Solomon, a Gifted Specialist at JKL Bahweting Anishinaabe School in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where I work with students in grades K–8. Our school is a Tribal school located on the Trust Land of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. My work includes supporting students in advanced learning experiences, including STEM competitions that emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application. I have had the privilege of serving this community for the past 20 years. In addition to my role at JKL, I currently serve as President of the Michigan Association for Gifted Children and was honored to be named Michigan's Region 1 Teacher of the Year for the 2025–2026 school year.

What motivated you to become involved in STEM competitions?

I was motivated to become involved in STEM competitions because they offer meaningful, authentic learning experiences for my students. These competitions provide opportunities for students to collaborate as a team, work toward a real deadline, and share their ideas with an authentic audience. The competitive element is highly motivating, and participation also allows students to connect with peers from across the country--and even around the world--which broadens their perspectives and deepens their engagement, while also opening doors to opportunities they may not otherwise have access to and building confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose.

How do you prepare your students (and yourself!) for STEM competitions?

We prepare for competitions by starting with the rubric. I coach students to closely analyze the highest performance levels so they understand what excellence looks like and can design projects that maximize their impact. I see my role as a coach--guiding students through the process while empowering them to take ownership of their work. We also study exemplary projects from previous years to build clarity around expectations and quality. Students engage in deep research, connect with project mentors, and often reach out to practicing professionals to gain insight into key topics. Just as importantly, we prioritize strong collaboration by intentionally building a classroom environment where students lift one another up, respect diverse ideas, and feel safe taking creative risks.

How have STEM competitions impacted your gifted students?

STEM competitions have helped my students develop confidence as learners, become highly motivated to engage in deep learning, and produce high-quality work. Most importantly, many of my students gain exposure to STEM careers (often for the first time) which sparks a deeper interest in pursuing these fields. Through these experiences, students begin to see themselves as capable contributors in STEM, and I have seen many carry this momentum forward into advanced coursework, college pathways, and future careers.

Can you please share a success story or memorable moment from a STEM competition?

One of the most memorable moments was when our team won the state-level Future City Competition in 2024. A team from another school had held a 14-year winning streak and had beaten us every year since we began competing in 2021, so the challenge felt significant. Our students were incredibly determined. They committed extra time during lunch, after school, and even on weekends to refine their project. When they were announced as the Michigan Regional winners and earned the opportunity to advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C., the excitement was unforgettable. Their success continued as they were also invited to represent the competition at the U.S. Department of Education's STEM Festival that same year. It was a truly remarkable experience and a moment of pride that they will carry with them for years to come. It reinforced for them that perseverance and teamwork can lead to extraordinary outcomes, and more importantly, it helped them see themselves as capable of achieving at the highest levels.

Can you please describe a challenge you faced during a STEM competition and how you and your students overcame it?

One challenging moment occurred during the state-level Odyssey of the Mind competition when our structure team discovered at registration that their structure would not fit over the crusher board pole, which would have disqualified them from competing. With only 20 minutes to respond, they had to quickly rethink their approach. They decided to carefully modify their structure so it would fit, knowing this would significantly weaken its load-bearing capacity and reduce their weight-held score. Instead, they made a strategic decision to lean into their strengths in performance, style, and spontaneous problem solving. Their team captain demonstrated exceptional leadership--remaining calm under pressure, respectfully advocating for the team, and guiding them through quick decision-making despite their frustration, as their design had met requirements at the regional level. The team stayed focused, made the necessary adjustments, and gave their best performance. In the end, their strengths carried them forward, and they advanced to World Finals.

What is one piece of advice you would give to educators who want to involve their gifted students in STEM competitions?

I would encourage any educator considering STEM competitions to take the leap and get started. It is one of the most impactful experiences we can offer our students. These competitions create opportunities for authentic, hands-on learning that goes far beyond the classroom. Students develop critical skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and perseverance--all while engaging deeply in topics they care about. You don't have to be an expert to begin. Start small, learn alongside your students, and focus on the process rather than perfection. With the right support and mindset, these experiences can be transformative--not just for students, but for educators as well. For many students, especially those who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities, STEM competitions can open doors and help them see new possibilities for their future.

You don't have to be an expert to begin. Start small, learn alongside your students, and focus on the process rather than perfection. - Susan Solomon