Jen Gutierrez began her teaching career in Arizona in 1988 teaching 1st–4th grades as well as K–2 multi-age classes. In 2006 she moved into the role of Science Curriculum Specialist at the district level, coaching K-12 teachers, providing support in science instruction, and coordinating the district-wide science and engineering fair. In 2014 Jen joined the Arizona Department of Education where she worked in the K-12 Standards Divison as the K-12 STEM Education Specialist. In that role she developed and delivered professional learning opportunities to support teachers around the state with the implementation of standards-driven, integrated STEM teaching and learning. Today Jen works as a K-12 STEM Education Consultant and is Director of the Arizona Science & Engineering Fair (AzSEF). Throughout her career she has been involved in science and engineering fairs at the district, state, and international levels and serves as Chair for the Phoenix Local Arrangements Committee for the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). She is passionate about supporting students in their quest to pursue their interests in the science and STEM fields. Jen is a member of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) writing team, including the Diversity and Equity team. She is an endorsed trainer for the Museum of Science, Boston’s Engineering is Elementary (EiE) program and has trained teachers throughout Arizona and Utah. Jen stays actively engaged in science education at the state and national level, serving on the Executive Board for the Arizona Science Teachers Association and representing Arizona, Colorado, and Utah as District XIV Director on the National Science Teachers Association’s Council. She was recently appointed to the advisory board for the Educator Capacity Building in PreK-12 Engineering Education with the National Academies of Science & Engineering. In 2015 Jen presented on behalf of NSTA at the Shanghai International Forum on Science Literacy for Adolescents on the NGSS and STEM education. A California native, Jen earned a BS in Journalism and a post-degree K-8 certificate from Northern Arizona University (NAU). She received her master’s in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and an Administration Certification from NAU.