Suzanne Banas, Ph.D.
Dr. Suzanne Banas is a distinguished educator with over 40 years of experience in science education, specializing in STEM and STEAM integration. She has taught primarily at the secondary level and currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Education Bachelors Program at Miami Dade College. Dr. Banas has pioneered innovative programs such as a virtual Drone Career Academy for Academica Virtual Education Schools and afterschool STEM initiatives inspired by the Wright Brothers, while also engaging younger learners in foundational STEM skills through elementary programs. Her leadership extends to integrating coding, robotics, and engineering into middle school curricula, preparing students for the careers of tomorrow.
Dr. Banas earned her Master of Education in 1986 and her doctorate from Union Institute & University in 1994. She achieved National Board Certification in 1998 and has successfully renewed it three times, in addition to earning her STEM Educator Certification. Over the years, she has received numerous honors recognizing her excellence in teaching, including finalist for the 2022 National Teacher Hall of Fame, the 2021 Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year–Southeast Region, and the 2021 AIAA Educator Achievement Award. She has also been named Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher in Florida, Microsoft U.S. Innovative Education Innovator, and District Middle School Science Teacher of the Year.
A lifelong advocate for professional growth and collaboration, Dr. Banas has presented at national, state, and local conferences and worked with educators internationally in Brazil, Egypt, and Mexico. She has served on the board and as newsletter editor for the Florida Association of Science Teachers and as president of the local chapter. Dr. Banas has contributed to curriculum development for school districts, the National Park Service, National Geographic Education, and companies like SparkFun, and has published work in outlets including Scholastics Instructor & Administrators, EdSurge, and the Harvard Journal of Emerging Young Investigators. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom as a Smithsonian Teacher Innovator Ambassador, National STEM Scholar, Microsoft Innovative Educator/Trainer, and Google Educator.
• Google AI for K12 Educators
• Certificate in Effective Teaching Practice Framework
• Creating a Productive Online Learning Environment
• Designing Learner-Centered Courses
• Inspiring Inquiry and Lifelong Learning in Your Online Course
• Promoting Active Learning Online
• Honored Listee
• Advanced Ground Instructor
• Part 107 Drone Pilot
• National Board Certified Teacher
• Union Institute & University - Ph.D.
• Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Educator of the Year-Florida & South East Region
• AIAA Educator Achievement Award Winner
• District Region Finalist for Teacher of the Year
• National Teacher Hall of Fame-Finalist
• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of dedication, passion, and the support of those around me. Being recognized as the Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Educator of the Year for both Florida and the Southeast Region was a tremendous honor, reflecting years of commitment to aerospace education. Beyond professional achievements, my accomplishments are grounded in five years of experience in cabochon jewelry, as well as the invaluable support system provided by my family and friends. Their encouragement has been instrumental in helping me reach my goals.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are collaboration, growth, and service. My involvement in the Graduate Student Organization and the Family Counseling Center has reinforced my commitment to supporting others, fostering community, and continuously learning. I strive to bring these values into every aspect of my life, ensuring that my actions positively impact those around me.
Locations
Somerset College Preparatory Academy South
Miami, FL 33155
Miami Dade College Padron Campus
627 Southwest 27th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33135