A teacher's impact often extends far beyond the classroom walls, and we are already seeing that in action just a couple of months into the new school year. We're celebrating three remarkable educators and teams who have not only made a significant difference in the lives of their students but have also received well-deserved recognition at the regional and national levels.
Here are a few things educators in our network have accomplished since school got out last summer.
Oktay Ince Honored By Society of Science In Back-to-Back Years
Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School’s very own Oktay Ince has been selected for the Society for Science's 2025–26 Advocate Program. This is a truly remarkable achievement as Ince is one of the only educators to ever be named an advocate twice by the Society of Science.
The Society for Science's Advocate Program recognizes and supports extraordinary educators who mentor students in science fairs and other research competitions. This year, the program is providing a total of $228,000 in funding to 70 outstanding educators. Ince is one of the select 61 Advocates who will receive a $3,000 stipend to continue his impactful work.
Beyond the financial reward, Ince is proud to be a part of this cohort of educators who want to make a difference in the world.
“Whenever I am with them, I feel like I am with my people,” Ince said. “We talk the same, we have the same passions. That is the most rewarding and exciting thing about this. There’s no other organization above the Society of Science that could allow me to access all of the resources and networking. They have an enormous capacity for that so I’m excited.”
Congratulations to Ince for another remarkable achievement! HSA Columbus High is lucky to have you.
Gateway Science Academy Middle Wins Teacher of the Year Award
Earlier this summer, it was announced that Megan Peifer of Gateway Science Academy was named a Regional Teacher of the Year by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This prestigious recognition is a testament to the incredible impact excellent teachers like Peifer have on their students.
Peifer, who began teaching at GSA in 2013, currently inspires 5th-grade students in English Language Arts. Her dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed. As Engin Blackstone, Superintendent of Gateway Science Academy, told Missouri Charter Schools, “This recognition is a true reflection of Megan’s exceptional dedication, talent, and impact in the classroom. She leads with both heart and excellence, and her commitment to her students and our school community is genuinely inspiring. We are incredibly proud to have Megan as part of the GSA family.”
Peifer was one of only 34 educators selected to represent their regions in the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year Program. She was chosen from nearly 500 nominees across 284 school districts. Congratulations to Mrs. Peifer on this outstanding achievement! Concept Schools and GSA appreciate everything you put into your school community.
IMSA Instructional Teams’ Guidance Leads To Stellar IREAD-3 Results
Indiana Math and Science Academy North and West have had a lot to celebrate early on this school year. Both schools announced their students achieved spectacular results on the 2025 Spring-Summer Combined IREAD-3. In recognition of this outstanding accomplishment, Regional Superintendent Mustafa Arslan and Regional Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Zachary Paley visited both schools to celebrate the students and staff.
IMSA West (92.2% pass rate) and IMSA North (84.4% pass rate) ranked No. 2 and No. 5 respectively among all OEI schools. Certificates and gifts were awarded to the teachers and administrators on the front lines, acknowledging their pivotal role in this success.
Please join us in congratulating everyone at IMSA North and West on this tremendous accomplishment! We are thrilled the hard work and dedication the students and teachers put into this resulted in the success we have grown accustomed to from both schools.
