Krauskopf Wins 2025 Excellence in Science Education Award

May 6, 2025

The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers recently honored UW–Madison’s Sara Krauskopf, a researcher at the School of Education’s Wisconsin Center for Education Research, for her outstanding work advancing science education in the state.

The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers annually recognizes teachers and other active supporters of science education for their achievements. The Excellence in Science Education award is given for outstanding contributions to improving science education in Wisconsin.

Krauskopf is a research specialist with WCER’s ONPAR digital classroom assessment tool. The tool is designed to teach middle school students to think deeply about science ideas as they engage in science practices. She earned her PhD from UW–Madison and brings a strong background in science education and curriculum development to her work. She has aimed to integrate diverse perspectives into science classrooms, including contributions from Indigenous ways of knowing.

Krauskopf’s contributions to science education extend far beyond the classroom, encompassing a range of leadership roles and community involvement. She has actively served in the education community, including a term on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers, where she co-chaired the Equity and Access Committee. She also played a key role in securing a $10,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for the organization to support the development of materials that align with the needs of Wisconsin students. She also served as a reviewer for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in Wisconsin.

Krauskopf has facilitated efforts to address issues of bias and racism in science education. Through her leadership, mentorship and collaboration, she has consistently worked to ensure that science education remains relevant, inclusive, and engaging for students from all backgrounds. Her dedication to science education spans over 25 years, during which she has empowered both students and educators to engage deeply in science.

As a classroom teacher, Krauskopf created immersive, real-world learning experiences, from tracing water systems in the wake of a drought to investigating zero-waste solutions through hands-on projects. Her impact extended beyond her students as she supported science education on a broader scale by:

• Organizing workshops for educators to learn about cutting-edge research at UW–Madison.
• Developing lessons for the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and PBS Wisconsin aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
• Writing nationally recognized science curriculum and professional learning materials for OpenSciEd, an open-source collection of high-quality instructional materials developed by leading science researchers and educators, now used by over 100,000 teachers nationwide.

“Sara’s passion for making science accessible and relevant is unmatched—she has a remarkable ability to connect standards to students’ lives in ways that inspire curiosity and action,” said Kevin Anderson, a consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, in his letter of recommendation.

The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers is the largest membership organization in Wisconsin focused on the advancement of science education since 1958. Its mission is to promote, support, and improve science education by providing leadership, advocacy and programs to enhance the teaching and learning of science.