Pattonville High School teacher wins Loeb Prize for excellence in STEM education

Pattonville High School science teacher Amy Schwendemann was named the winner of the Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics, a prestigious award presented by the St. Louis Science Center to honor outstanding educators in the St. Louis region. The award recognizes teachers who inspire a passion in STEM learning with their students.

Schwendemann was named the award recipient during a ceremony May 15 at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park. The event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Loeb Prize and recognized Schwendemann and four finalists for their dedication to inspiring students in science and math classrooms.

“Great teachers generate a love for learning that enables their students to accomplish amazing things,” said program founder Carol Loeb, who has taught high school math for more than 60 years. “As we celebrate the 30th Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics, we recognize these dedicated teachers who inspire their students to be curious and engaged in science and mathematics. It is my privilege to recognize these outstanding teachers for shaping tomorrow’s STEM leaders, today.”

The Loeb Prize, created in 1995 and endowed in 2002 by Carol Loeb and her late husband, Jerome Loeb, honors six through 12th grade educators in the St. Louis area who enhance their students’ performance in science and math. The Loeb family developed the prize to demonstrate their dedication to teaching professionals and elevate public appreciation for teachers, particularly those in math and science, who inspire the next generation. The award highlights the essential role of effective teaching in advancing student achievement and fostering curiosity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects.

“As our world continues to evolve rapidly, students must excel not only in their academic fields but also in 21st-century skills,” Schwendemann said after receiving the award. “My ultimate goal is for my students to leave my class with the confidence to embark on the next chapter of their lives.”

Schwendemann was nominated by her peers. After being selected as a finalist, Schwendemann gave a virtual presentation to the judges about her teaching methods which included a video tour of the school’s greenhouse, produced in collaboration with Pattonville’s TV production classes.

In addition to Schwendemann, the 2025 Loeb Prize honorees include second place honoree Ryan Gibbs from Hancock Middle School in the Hancock Place School District and runners-up Karen Betz from Crestview Middle School in the Rockwood School District; Jennifer Ronzio from Queen of All Saints School; and Zachary Wangler from Rogers Middle School in the Affton School District.

During the 30 years the award has been given, three Pattonville teachers have been selected to receive the Loeb Prize. In addition to Schwendemann, the other honorees are Jo Ellen Leeke and Barb Weekley.

Students were invited to attend the award ceremony and a special screening of the Omnimax film “Volcanoes” at the Science Center following the presentation.

See the video of Schwendemann's surprise on KSDK.