Grace’s Misti Newby wins Excellence Award

Local teacher Misti Newby, a STEM and science teacher at Grace Junior/Senior High School in Grace, Idaho, is the 2026 recipient of the Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching, which is presented by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI).

According to the AGI, “This national award recognizes Newby for cultivating a deep sense of place, purpose, and stewardship through Earth science education. She believes earth science is vital for all students because it equips them to make informed decisions that affect their communities, environments, and futures, especially in her rural agricultural area, where science directly intersects with daily life. Through local field experiences, such as exploring geologic sites, Newby helps students connect scientific concepts to landscapes they know, such as the Snake River Plain, nearby rivers, farmland soils, and mountain snowpack. Practicing hands-on, authentic science, students collect real environmental data and provide soil testing services to local farms. Her signature teaching routine, "Bringing it Home," has students make direct connections between concepts being taught and local settings, ensuring that every unit ties directly to students' lived experiences.”

"Misti Newby exemplifies the very spirit of the Edward C. Roy Jr. Award through her extraordinary ability to connect Earth science to students' everyday lives in meaningful, lasting ways," said AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur. "Her commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based learning and community engagement is cultivating not only strong scientific understanding, but also the next generation of informed, passionate stewards of our planet."

Newby earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and her master's degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Wyoming and endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education from the University of Iowa. Since 1997, she also has served as a teacher of science, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and gifted and talented, as well as being a Lego Robotics coach. Recent honors include being named an Idaho National Laboratory K-12 Grant awardee, Idaho Lottery Classroom Wishlist awardee, and Sawtooth STEM Educator of the Year. Committed to lifelong learning, Newby continually engages in professional development to keep her instruction current and impactful. Recent experiences have included programs in scientific drawing, STEM, and approaches to implementing Idaho state science standards.

As part of the award, Newby will receive a $2,500 cash prize and up to $2,500 for professional travel. Newby will be honored in a ceremony during the National Earth Science Teachers Association's Friends of Earth Science Reception at the National Science Teaching Association's Annual Conference in Anaheim, California, in April 2026.

Given annually, AGI's Edward C. Roy Jr. Award traditionally recognizes one classroom teacher from kindergarten to eighth grade for leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of Earth science education. 

The Enterprise spoke with Misti about the award, and her teaching philosophy:

What series of events brought you to Grace, Idaho?

Well, to answer your question: Divine Intervention and a literal answer to our prayers. Logistically, my husband, James, was sought out to be the wrestling coach and PE teacher for Grace nine years ago. I was happy to take a position as RTI coordinator, but it wasn't something that followed my training. I was grateful for the position and happy to learn. After the first year, I was happy to add a STEM class and an Earth science class to my schedule, which were closer to my heart and experience. When the new elementary school was built, and they found the funding for the STEM lab, I was also thrilled to fill my day with my areas of passion.

How has the experience of living here been?

A friend and colleague once told us that Grace has a unique power of bringing people within the folds that need it most and that is true for us. Grace is home. It has been an incredible family, supportive community of friends and a great place to live, work and raise our kids.

What do student learn about earth science in your classes?  

My entire purpose as a science educator is to put more scientists in the field.

Could you talk a little bit about the lesson plan that was required for the award? 

This particular application was pretty intense with a complete lesson plan, a 750-word essay, three letters of recommendation, and my resume. The lesson plan was probably the hardest because I pride myself on finding valuable, useful and interesting labs and activities, but most of them have been created by other people. Then I realized, one of the simplest and activities that is most important activities to me is the beauty of our own backyard. I tell the kids often that I just want them to look around and notice things and in Idaho we are blessed to witness nearly every content subject of Earth sciences somewhere really close by. I wrap up every unit by "Bringing it Home". I have created several resources asking the kids about Rock Types in our area, earthquakes and faults in our area, volcanic activity in our area and realized this is where I needed to focus my attention for my lesson plan and apparently the committee agreed because they were really taken with it.

How do you think earth science education directly impacts residents of Caribou County?

Earth science gives students a sense of place. My mission is to help them fall in love with that place, understand it deeply, and care for it fiercely. Earth science is essential for all students because every young person will someday make decisions that affect their home, community, environment, and future. Understanding water resources and local landscapes gives students the tools to become informed, thoughtful citizens. In a rural agricultural community like Grace, this knowledge is not abstract; it directly influences students’ safety, livelihoods, and relationship with the land. I want students to fall in love with a place. If they develop a connection so strong that if something harmed that place, they would feel compelled to protect or restore it, then I have succeeded. That is how we grow future environmental stewards. To inspire this connection, I make Earth science active, hands-on, and authentically tied to the real world, but it starts with them cleaning up the trash in the student parking lot.

What will happen with the award process?  Are there additional events coming up?

The National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) conference is one of my favorites and going back was one motivation for filling out the application in the first place. This year, it is being held in Anaheim,CA, so the trip is covered. I will be officially presented with my award at a reception one evening at the conference. Mark Rober is returning as the keynote speaker, which makes me cool in my students' eyes. 

Congratulations, again.  Who do you thank in a speech, if you have to give one?

I was nominated by a friend and former colleague in Wyoming who has an impressive list of accolades herself, so I found it flattering just to be nominated by her. I am also really lucky to work with Eli Hubbard. He and I make a great team, and he is willing to chase my crazy ideas with me. I enjoy our collaborative projects like the Star Party and the 8th Grade Field Trip. He is so knowledgeable in local application and soil sciences and I have learned a lot from him. 

Anything else you'd like people of Caribou County, especially Grace, to know?

I truly love these kids. I love their energy and ideas and I love spending my days getting to know the inner workings of their bright minds. All I do, is bring what is already in there to the surface and give them a chance to explore their ideas.