Incline Elementary’s Trina Kleinhenz named Northwestern Nevada STEM Teacher of the Year
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Incline Elementary School teacher Trina Kleinhenz received the Northwestern Nevada STEM Teacher of the Year Award on Wednesday April 10.
The prestigious recognition comes from the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology, and the Nevada Department of Education.
“I was surprised. It’s been super sweet,” said Kleinhenz. “… all the kids were congratulating me and they all had little smiles on their faces. It warmed my heart. At that moment, I felt the most recognized because it was by my students for what I’m doing for them.”
The award ceremony was at Incline Elementary School, where Kleinhenz has taught for 15 years.
“I got a plaque and lots of positive feedback,” Kleinhenz said.
In February, Kleinhenz was nominated by Mary Danahey and Sharon Schrage from the Incline Education Fund. They had raised money from other community partners for the makers’ space in Kleinhenz’s classroom.
Kleinhenz’s classroom is an innovation hub fostering critical thinking skills through engaging discussions and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities.
Kleinhenz teaches computer science, robotics, engineering principles, communication strategies, and creativity as part of the school’s comprehensive STEM curriculum.
“I love my job,” Kleinhenz said. “I have so much fun. And I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be part of creating a makers’ space and bringing more STEM to our school.”
Kleinhenz’s students learn technical knowledge and develop vital problem-solving skills as they are consistently challenged to find new ways to approach tasks.
This regional STEM Teacher of the Year Award honors educators who provide exceptional, career-connected STEM learning experiences. The goal is to equip Nevada’s students with the STEM skills, mindsets, interests, and self-identities that propel them and the state toward future success across industries.
The STEM Teacher of the Year program recognizes leaders who impact Nevada’s STEM education and workforce development goals. Each regional award winner receives a commemorative plaque and advances to compete at the state level in May for $500.
Kleinhenz’s innovative teaching and dedication to hands-on, minds-on STEM education embody the spirit of this award.
Kleinhenz’s passion for empowering young minds through engaging, career-connected learning experiences is helping shape the next generation of innovators and leaders.


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