Meet the MSTA Board candidates for the 2026 election!

Higher Education Director

School/Organization: STEM Outreach Coordinator, Saginaw Valley State University

Position of Interest: Higher Education Director

Relevant Professional Experience: I bring a K–12 teaching background (middle school science and science/English) and a current higher-education STEM outreach leadership role connecting districts, nonprofits, and industry partners.  I have a demonstrated record of building and sustaining STEM programs through partnerships and resource development—including securing over $3,000,000 in donations, grants, and sponsorships—and leading grant-writing and partnership efforts that expand equitable STEM access for students and educators.  I also lead and scale student-leadership and “student voice/STEM identity” initiatives (including Chief Science Officers programming and Michigan’s Outcome 3 work), which aligns well with Higher Ed board service that strengthens teacher pipelines, university–district collaborations, and statewide STEM systems.

Goals:

• Strengthen Higher Ed  K–12 bridges statewide by expanding student-teacher pipelines, preservice-to-inservice supports, and practical classroom-ready professional learning partnerships that advance MSTA’s mission to “stimulate, support, and provide leadership” for Michigan science education. 
• Grow resources and funding for educators by leveraging university, business, and foundation partnerships to increase sponsorships/grants and broaden access to high-quality STEM programming across Michigan—especially in underserved communities. 
• Elevate student voice and STEM identity by scaling models like Chief Science Officers and related student leadership approaches so more regions/districts see measurable gains in engagement, belonging, and pathways into STEM careers.

Jessica Mahl

School/Organization: Elementary Teacher, South Redford

Position of Interest: Director at Large

Relevant Professional Experience:  A twelve-year educator that is deeply committed to advancing science education. She has a wealth of experience including teaching in multiple states, managing teams, and working in the corporate world. She is continuously looking for opportunities to connect her students with the community and build their love for science.

Goals:

• Work to elevate the voice and needs of Michigan science teachers through statewide collaboration, resource sharing, and representation in policy conversations that impact classrooms. 
• Support the development and promotion of high-quality, accessible professional learning experiences that empower teachers to improve instructional practices, deepen science content knowledge, and build student engagement.

Diana Matthews

School/Organization: Detroit Country Day School, Teacher

Position of Interest: Director at Large

Relevant Professional Experience: I’m a motivated, veteran teacher who has taught science and STEAM for over 15 years. I am passionate about Makerspaces and STEAM, always looking for ways to pique student curiosity while building skills such as problem solving, innovation and collaboration. I am a 2022 Presidential Awardee for Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Being a previous Board Member, I worked alongside some of Michigan’s finest educators and leaders.

Goals:

• I hope to bring innovative, creative ideas to MSTA recognizing both industry standards as well as new technologies and innovations, I will work alongside Board Members to ensure that MSTA is the best it can be for students, teachers and leaders as we move into a remarkable era of science teaching and education.

June Teisen 

School/Organization: Educational Non-Profit Leader, InnovatED313

Position of Interest: Director at Large

Relevant Professional Experience: Incumbent

Goals:

●  Promote equitable access to high-quality science education for all students - and robust educator professional learning for teachers - across the state, especially in under-resourced communities. Build networks that connect classroom teachers, informal educators, higher education, and community partners to support statewide STEM initiatives. Support MSTA in their mission to stimulate, support, and provide leadership for the improvement of science education throughout Michigan.

Amber Richmond

School/Organization: Oakland ISD Science Consultant

Position of Interest: Regional Director (Region 6)

Relevant Professional Experience:  Active MSTA Member; Currently a Science Education Consultant supporting K-12 Science Educators and Leaders in Oakland County, with a heavy focus on underrepresented districts and groups; Committed to improving science education for all students throughout the state of Michigan; Strong desire to partner with other counties and organizations to advocate for authentic, 3-dimensional science experiences for all students

Goals:

• Increase professional growth and leadership opportunities for science educators; Support implementation of 3-dimensional pedagogy and curricular resource alignment; Continue to build regional science community through advocacy and networking opportunities 

Minna Turrell

School/Organization: St. Clair RESA, Science Consultant

Position of Interest: Regional Director, Region 9

Relevant Professional Experience: Incumbent

Goals:

●  I would like to connect with teachers in my region and offer any supports that I can.

Regional Director (Region 9)