At the October 28 Ithaca City School District (ICSD) Board of Education meeting, Ithaca High School and Beverly J. Martin (BJM) Elementary School technology teacher Akil Atiba was recognized with the 2025 Raymond and Joan Loehr Innovative Science Teaching Award. The award honors Atiba for his visionary approach to technology education and deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and innovation in science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning.
Established in 2002 by the Loehr family, the Raymond and Joan Loehr Innovative Science Teaching Award is presented annually by the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) to an ICSD educator who demonstrates excellence in innovative science teaching. The award recognizes educators who utilize creative approaches to inspire interest in the sciences.
In addition to his work at the high school, Atiba has expanded STEM learning opportunities at BJM. What started as one class designed to engage fifth graders in hands-on STEM projects has since grown into a schoolwide initiative. Atiba now serves on a committee developing a pre-K through fifth-grade STEM curriculum, helping to ensure that all students have access to creative, high-quality science and technology experiences from an early age.
“His [Atiba’s] vision is not just about machines or coding,” Caren Arnold, principal of Ithaca High School, said. “It is about equity, empowerment, and community education. Akil exemplifies the spirit of the Loehr Award: innovative, project-based, student-centered science teaching that strengthens the entire Ithaca City School District. His work has created lasting change for students, teachers, and families alike, and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”
Reflecting on the award, Atiba shared that teaching was not his original path, but one he’s deeply grateful to have found. “I never thought I was going to be a teacher,” he said. “So, to now be recognized for my work with students from marginalized communities—students who might not otherwise have access to STEM opportunities—means a lot. It reminds me of my why. Every day I come in, I try to engage that student who might not have been reached before.”
The IPEI has awarded over $1 million in grant funds to ICSD teachers, staff, and students in support of innovative education and leadership. For more information about the IPEI, visit ipei.org.
Click here to view the presentation at the October 28 board meeting.
