The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce has announced the selection of Jane Steinkamp as its 2022 ATHENA Award recipient. The annual ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of accomplishment, excel in their chosen business or profession, have demonstrated support for the advancement of business and professional women, have devoted time and energy to their community, and have actively mentored others.
The ATHENA Award will be presented at the annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon on Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m., at the Stockton Golf and Country Club. Tickets for this high-profile event are $50 and available through the Stockton Chamber of Commerce https://stocktonchamber.org/athena-awards/.
Jane Steinkamp is an education leader who has impacted education at the local, county, and state levels for her 34-year career. Jane is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Education Services at the San Joaquin County Office of Education.
Under her leadership, the SJCOE’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) department became the largest STEM department in the State and a leader in the field. Steinkamp oversees many other innovative departments, including the only regionally accredited institution of high education within a county office “Teacher’s College of San Joaquin” (TCSJ) which provides a variety of options for those who wish to pursue a career in education and serve our diverse communities.
She has also served on a variety of leadership roles including: Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee of the California County superintendents Educational Services Association (CCESA); and California Department of Education (CDE) Standards Implementation and State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Environmental Literacy committees.
When schools transitioned from in-person to virtual learning due to the pandemic, Steinkamp recognized a need for educators, parents, and students to have access to educational materials that they could implement from home. She quickly spearheaded a team of subject-matter experts to create the virtual LOCkER (Learning Outside the Classroom Enrichment Resources), which is filled with mental health resources, videos, and activities for all grade levels and subjects, and resources for educators.
In 2021, TEACH! Academy was launched under Steinkamp’s leadership. TEACH! Students can graduate with a high school diploma and an associates in arts degree in Elementary Teacher Education. After completing their bachelor’s degree, graduates have an opportunity to earn a complete teaching credential trough SJCOE’s TCSJ (Teacher’s College of San Joaquin) at little to no cost providing San Joaquin County students with a clear and affordable path to earn their college degree.
She also is serving or has served in many local and statewide leadership positions.
Steinkamp models her community engagement by encouraging and supporting others within SJCOE to become involved in Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce programs, such as Leadership Stockton, the Green Team San Joaquin, Government Relations Council and Green Business Certification.
The most significant contribution with Steinkamp’s leadership to the community is leading the SJCOE COVID-19 vaccine clinics, in which over 14 days, 300 volunteers worked to administer 25,822 doses of vaccine to local educators and school employees. This monumental task involved the collaboration of county public health officials, law enforcement, physical logistics, the creation of an online vaccine application, and coordination with leadership from each of the county’s 14 school districts. The clinic gained state and national recognition.
Past ATHENA Award recipients are Mary Bava, Dea Berberian, Occeletta Briggs, Judith Buethe, Jane Butterfield, Consuelo “Connie” Callahan, Susan Carson, Judith Chambers, Dr. Pamela Eibeck, Bobbie Fasano, Sara Garfield, Joelle Gomez, Phyllis Grupe, Charlynn Harless, Iva Harris, Dr. Kathy Hart, Hedy Holmes, Dr. Hazel Hill, Marian Jacobs, Kathleen Janssen, Ann Johnston, Susan Lenz, Janice L. Marengo, Jeanette Michaels, Karen Munro, Gillian Murphy, Carol J. Ornelas, Connemara Reisinger, Kathryn Rousek Smith, Cyril Seligman, Suzanne Schultz, Kristen Spracher-Birtwhistle, Lindy Turner-Hardin, and Jeanne Zolezzi.
