• Passionate Educators

    Meet the dedicated educators who inspire and guide students on their journey at STEM Academy. Our team brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and experience to the classroom, ensuring that students receive an education that goes beyond textbooks and the classroom.

    We’ve developed a collaborative learning environment where our expert educators work together to provide students with an education that goes beyond traditional learning. Our faculty members bring their diverse experiences and perspectives to the classroom, ensuring students excel in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Phone: 210-356-1001

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Jennifer Jensen, Director

We are so excited to be serving your student this school year! STEM Academy is a place not quite like any other. We seek to serve our students through small learning communities, while still getting to take full advantage of the offerings of the main campus. It’s great to link arms with our Seahawk family!

Having served as an elementary teacher, a high school teacher, and STEM Assistant Director, I have a great understanding of meeting student needs. Our unique problem-based learning approach helps students make deep connections with the curriculum and encourages them to innovate and explore. I look forward to partnering with your family as we encourage students succeed in the classroom as well as in the various extracurricular activities in which they participate. It is an honor to work with each student, parent and faculty member in order to promote academic excellence in this positive and supportive learning environment!

Phone: 210-356-5501

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. Lane Smiley, Assistant Director

My name is Lane Smiley, and I am honored and excited to serve as your NEISD STEM Academy Assistant Director. 

I have been involved in K-12 education for over 18 years in different capacities and I have been a proud parent in NEISD schools since 2010.  

I am from Baton Rouge, LA., but have lived in San Antonio, Texas since 2006 with my wife and 3 awesome children. I earned my undergraduate degree from Millsaps College and two graduate degrees, one in Physiology from Mississippi College and another in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University of Texas.

I am looking forward to an awesome year with all our students at Nimitz/STEM Middle School.
  • Brad Gilbert
  • Kristie Wells
  • Stephanie Snyder
  • Cheryl Hernandez
  • Shalyn Torres

  • Brad Gilbert, History Instructor | STEM Academy Middle School

    Brad Gilbert brings over 15 years of experience and a passion for hands-on learning to his role at STEM Academy. After earning his Bachelor's in Philosophy from Schreiner University and Master's in Education from UTSA, Brad taught across grade levels at Pleasanton High School. Since 2007, he has focused on delivering engaging Texas History instruction at STEM Academy.

    Brad's teaching philosophy centers on students actively investigating the past through immersive projects and builds on his background running summer camps. His classroom operates by pupils demonstrating learning through writing, presenting, 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters to deepen understanding. Brad believes students should explore history by doing, not just discussing. His approach emphasizes problem-solving, teamwork, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to develop lasting comprehension. Through creativity and collaboration, Brad strives to spark a passion for the people and events shaping history.

    Achievements

    • Teacher of the year at Pleasanton High School

    • Over a decade of teaching at NEISD

    Kristie Wells, English Instructor at STEM Middle School

    Kristie Wells has been with STEM Academy since 2014, where she has taught sophomores, juniors and seniors. After earning her Master's in Secondary English Education at LA Tech University, Kristie taught English courses and AP Literature in Louisiana for 10 years. She also holds certifications in personal training and nutrition.

    Kristie focuses on making meaningful connections with students through literature to help them find their voice. She aims to build an inclusive environment where students feel valued and empowered to determine their own future paths, regardless of circumstances. By sharing stories and guiding writing development, Kristie strives to unlock every student's potential. Her passion is creating a space for young people to feel accepted while developing skills to express themselves and shape their own narratives.

    Achievements

    • NEISD Master Mentor

    • Dual Credit Instructor

    • STEM Ambassador Sponsor 

    • Team STEM Advisory Leader Sponsor

    • Sophomore & Junior Team Leader

    • Founding Member of STEM PLC Guiding Coalition

    Stephanie Snyder, Math Instructor | STEM Academy Middle School

    Stephanie Snyder brings a global perspective and passion for inspiring math comprehension to her teaching role at STEM Academy. After earning bachelor's degree from UTSA and master's degree from the University of Cambridge, Stephanie taught internationally before returning to her home to San Antonio. Additionally, she holds certifications across math disciplines and gifted education.

    Though not always easy for her growing up, Stephanie found deep connections in math during college. This motivates her to ensure conceptual understanding for every student by meeting them at their level, filling gaps, and building confidence. With past struggles as inspiration, Stephanie is committed to making math achievable for all through tailored teaching that sparks enthusiasm. Her own journey gives her unique insight into transforming struggles into strengths for her students.

    Achievements

    • Robotics Co-Sponsor: Our 2022 Robotics Team made it to the world championships; 

    • NEISD Master Mentor

    • Certified for Gifted & Talented Education

    Cheryl Hernandez, Science Instructor | STEM Academy Middle School

    Cheryl Hernandez brings over 28 years of science teaching experience, including almost a decade at STEM Academy, to educating students through hands-on exploration. After earning bachelor degrees from Texas State and UTSA, Cheryl taught science across grade levels and also worked in informal education at the San Antonio Zoo.

    Cheryl's teaching revolves on igniting curiosity through interactive curriculum and competition-based learning. She champions each student's success by collaborating with them in discovery. Cheryl's constant enthusiasm and passion for science inspires the same in her students. She believes in celebrating victories together and aspiring to grow through continuous learning. By modeling her own excitement, Cheryl hopes to spark a lifelong fascination with STEM fields in every student.

    Achievements

    • 2019 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching

    • 2020 Superintendents Award Winner

    • 2022 & 2023 Campus Teacher of Year

    Shalyn Torres, Mathematics

    Shalyn Torres brings over 12 years of advanced mathematics teaching experience to STEM Academy. After earning her Bachelor's in Mathematics with teaching certification, Shalyn has taught courses including Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics.

    Shalyn views math as a powerful tool for critical thinking, problem-solving, and informed decisions, rather than just a subject. Her student-centered approach allows for an inclusive, engaging environment where curiosity and collaboration unlock the joy and depth of mathematical concepts. Shalyn believes every student has the potential to find meaning and success in mathematics through her encouragement of exploration and understanding.