Jacqueline is the District Director of Elementary Math and Science for Galena Park ISD. She is always finding new ways to do things. In 2015, she created a STEM/Robotics program for the district. As The STEM/Robotic program did not exist before her vision, but she found a way to make this opportunity happen for her students. Taking a risk with confidence, she led her department to find resources and new ways of operating in a virtual setting which led students to success.

Once the pandemic began, she knew the district was going to have a challenge keeping students engaged in learning, but she was determined not to let this stop the STEM/Robotics program. She sought out help and found virtual robotics through an early engineers program, where students could engage in online block-coding through a gaming platform and complete robotic challenges. In addition, she sent STEM kit supplies out to all 15 elementary campuses. The teachers then sent some supplies home for students to participate from home and some in the classroom.

Despite the pandemic, she was not only able to maintain the STEM/Robotics program, but actually doubled its participation and engagement from 175 students to 358 students. In addition, Jacqueline hosted an online STEM/Robotics Showcase challenge for campuses to show off their students' STEM learning from this year.

A member of Rice University’s Office of STEM Engagement said, “Galena Park ISD is definitely leading the way in developing science leaders who will impact the future.” – Jacqueline Moreno, District Director of Elementary Math and Science

With the Unconventional Thinking in Teaching grant, Jaqueline plans to purchase additional hands-on materials and consumable kits for the STEM/Robotics program.