ISTA announced that Vince Lorenz, a science teacher at Kokomo High School, has been named the 2025 ISTA Hoosier Educator of the Year, an honor supported by Horace Mann Educators Corporation.
This annual award recognizes an ISTA member who exemplifies excellence in professional practice, advocacy for the profession, attention to diversity, community engagement and leadership in professional development.
Lorenz, an ISTA member since 2012, brings his deep love for science, students, and public education to everything he does, whether leading the school’s thriving Environmental Science Club, mentoring new teachers or designing college-credit science courses.
A teacher at Kokomo High School since 2012, Lorenz has developed and taught a wide array of science courses, from Earth Science and Meteorology to Physical and Historical Geology, International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems and Society and dual-credit courses through Indiana University Kokomo.
An advocate for public education, Lorenz has served on the Kokomo High School PTA, supported local referendum efforts and collaborated with his district on textbook selection and curriculum initiatives.
His work has earned numerous accolades, including the 2025 Clyde Motts Memorial Award for Outstanding High School Science Teaching, Honorable Mention in the 2023 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Education and recognition as the 2024 Kokomo High School Teacher of the Year.
Lorenz will now represent Indiana as the state’s nominee for the NEA Foundation's Award for Teaching Excellence. He will also be considered for the AOL@School NEA Foundation Award for Technology Leadership.
“Vince Lorenz represents the very best of what it means to be a public educator in Indiana,” said ISTA President Keith Gambill. “He leads with passion, builds meaningful connections with his students and community, and lifts up the entire profession through his work.”
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