Learn more about our highly qualified and experienced teachers at the KSU Virtual Summer STEAM Academy

Calista Speake

Virtual Summer STEAM Principal

Calista Speake is a Kindergarten Teacher in North Kansas City School District in Missouri. Calista has over 15 years of experience in education. She received her BS in Elementary Education at Kansas State University and her MS in Building Administration at Emporia State University. She is currently working on her Math Specialist Degree through UCM.

Angela Messer

Classes Taught: Math of Games (Weeks 1-3)

Mrs. Angie Messer is an Instructor with the Department of Curriculum & Instruction as well as an EdD candidate with the Department of Educational Leadership at Kansas State University. She taught high school math for 13 years and served as an assistant principal for 11 years at the secondary level in Kansas public schools. Her current research focus is on preparation programs for administrators in public schools with an emphasis on special education training that is a part of their program.

Kayln Hoppe

Classes Taught: Express Yourself Through Arts (Weeks 1-3)

Kayln Hoppe is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Kansas State University. As a graduate student, Kayln was awarded the “Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award” and the “Social Justice Advocacy Award” through the College of Education at Kansas State University. Prior to earning her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, she taught elementary school for eight years in both Kansas and Texas. Through her love of literacy and teaching, Kayln uses a variety of children’s and young adult literature as a gateway for authentic learning experiences across all content areas and disciplines.

Anissa Bigler

Classes Taught: A Voice Worth Hearing - Yours! (Weeks 1-3)

Anissa Bigler has been an English teacher for over 25 years and is currently an instructor with USD 240 Twin Valley school district. Her experience has allowed her the opportunity to work in larger urban schools, small rural schools, and even a military academy. She received both her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and her Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Kansas State University. Her love of students and the power of words are two of her favorite things.

Lori Rice

Classes Taught: Build and Dream (Weeks 1 & 3); Unleash Your Inner Masterpiece (Week 2)

Lori Rice is a K-2 elementary and K-12 gifted teacher at Manhattan Virtual Academy. With over 25 years of experience in education, Ms. Rice completed her BS in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education at Kansas State University and her Master of Science in Special Education with a focus on gifted at Emporia State University. Ms. Rice's passions are STEM education, social studies, and helping students find their unique perspectives and talents. She recently received the 2022 Gilder Lehrman State History Teacher of the Year award for Kansas. Ms. Rice has 3 children, and loves running, hiking, and reading.

Rachael Asbury

Classes Taught: Stop Motion Animation (Weeks 1 & 3); Block Coding Bootcamp (Week 2)

Rachael Asbury is a Math and Science enthusiast!! She has a BS in Elementary education, with a Math concentration, from K-State. Mrs. Asbury has endorsements in 5-8 Math and preK-12 ESOL. She’s currently working on a graduate certificate in Programming. Mrs. Asbury has been having a blast at Eisenhower MS (Manhattan, KS) the last 3 years, teaching 7/8 Computer Science: Multimedia and Intro to Office classes. She also runs Strategy Club and EMS Yearbook Committee & Production. Previously, she’s taught K-6 STEM, K-6 Math Enrichment and 5th grade. Next year, she’s excited to also have a Yearbook class!

Jessica Vanstory

Classes Taught: Music Using STEM is Cool (Weeks 1-3)

Jessica Vanstory is a senior in Music Education at Kansas State University and will graduate in the spring of 2023. She attended Wabaunsee High School in Alma, KS and graduated in 2019. Jessica has played trumpet for the K-State Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and Lab A Big Band. In addition, she has conducted the K-State University Band and Summer Music Camp Brass Ensemble. She is a Marching Pride Scholar, an Ellis Foundation Scholar, and was selected to compete at the live rounds of the National Trumpet Competition in Newark, DE with the K-State Trumpet Ensemble. When she is not teaching or playing her instrument, Jessica enjoys spending time with her friends and family and playing video games.

Seth Lickteig

Classes Taught: Thinking About Games (Weeks 1 & 3)

Dr. Seth Lickteig is an assistant teaching professor at Kansas State University, where he works with pre-service elementary school teachers in social studies methods. Before his work at the university level, Dr. Lickteig was an 8th-grade social studies teacher at Fort Riley Middle School, where he coached basketball and track. His research interests include games-based learning and exploring how good game design encourages deep thinking. Along with Dr. Burenheide, the two have created the Game Lab, a unit devoted to the use and exploration of games in learning.

Brad Burenheide

Classes Taught: Thinking About Games (Weeks 1 & 3)

Dr. Brad Burenheide is an associate professor at Kansas State University. His roles include the secondary social studies program, Associate Director of the Center for Social Studies Education, and Co-Director of the Game Lab. Dr. Burenheide coaches wrestling and teaches Latin at his local high school. His research interests include social studies methodology and games-based learning, especially using analog games.