Joanne Vasquez

JoAnne was born in Safford, Arizona on October 16, 1943 to Esther (Poots) and Joseph Tomkinson. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Master's in Early Childhood Education and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction.

A recognized leader in science and STEM education, Dr. Vasquez was the Past President of the National Science Teachers Association, and the National Science Education Leadership Association, she was a

Presidential Appointee to the National Science Board, the governing board of the National Science Foundation, becoming the first and only K-12 educator to ever hold a seat on this prestigious board. Her distinguished service and extraordinary contributions to the advancement of science and STEM education at the local, state and national levels has won her numerous awards: the 2014 National Science Education Leadership Award for Outstanding Leadership in Science Education. 2013 National Science Board Public Service Award, and the 2006 “Robert H. Carlton Award” for Leadership in Science Education, NSTA highest award. She has also received, the “Distinguished Service to Science Education Award” the “Search for Excellence in Elementary Science Education and Supervision Award” the 2007 New York Academy of Science’s “Willard Jacobson Award” for major contribution to the field of science education and was the 2004 NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials) honoree for her contributions to improving education.

JoAnne is known nationally and internationally for her efforts to create sustainable change in teaching K-12 science. Her professional career allowed her to travel the world. She conducted numerous workshops to train science teachers in the United Kingdom, former Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Thailand, China, Philippines, Pacific Oceania, Australia, New Zealand and was even part of an expedition to the South Pole. Author of several science textbooks and books on science teaching, Vasquez's latest publication, STEM Lesson Essentials for Grades 3-8, was inspired by research she conducted while serving as a member of the NSB. She was a passionate educator, author, STEM advocate, mother, grandmother and a new great grandmother.

JoAnne is survived by her two daughters Tiffany Fisher and Heather Lalley, Stepson Jim Biewener, Stepdaughter Kristin Greenleaf, six grandchildren (Laura, Susan, Tyler, Hannah, Stephen and Jacob) and great granddaughter (Claire) and predeceased by her husband James Biewener, Stepson Michael and brother Carl Tomkinson.

Her service will be held on December 16, 2022, at 10:00am at the Trinity Christian Fellowship Church in Chandler, Arizona. JoAnne will be interred at the City of Mesa cemetery. Her family asks in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute or the Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona. A Celebration of Life to honor JoAnne will be held in January 2023. Details will be forthcoming.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Vasquez family.