A passion for making Stockton better: Who is the winner of the 2022 ATHENA award?

Ben Irwin, The Record
·3 min read
San Joaquin County Office of Education Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Jane Steinkamp, right, is surprised with the announcement that she is the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Award. Steinkamp was leading a teachers workshop at the SJCOE when she got news of the honor.
San Joaquin County Office of Education Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Jane Steinkamp, right, is surprised with the announcement that she is the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Award. Steinkamp was leading a teachers workshop at the SJCOE when she got news of the honor.

Jane Steinkamp and about 100 other educators were wrapping up a curriculum breakfast on equity in grading on Wednesday when she received a surprise announcement along with flowers.

The San Joaquin County assistant superintendent of Education Services was named the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA award.

“Thank you, I love the work that I do and I love the people that I work with. What an honor, thank you,” a tearful Steinkamp said as she received a standing ovation from  San Joaquin County educators and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce members who made the big reveal.

The ATHENA award honors individuals who support professional women and business, devote their time and energy to their community and mentor others.

Jane Steinkamp, center, stands next to San Joaquin County Office of Education Superintendent Troy Brown as Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce CEO Tim Quinn announces Steinkamp as the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Award. Steinkamp was leading a teachers workshop at the SJCOE when she was surprised with the announcement.
Jane Steinkamp, center, stands next to San Joaquin County Office of Education Superintendent Troy Brown as Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce CEO Tim Quinn announces Steinkamp as the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Award. Steinkamp was leading a teachers workshop at the SJCOE when she was surprised with the announcement.

Steinkamp has worked in education for more than 34 years. Under her leadership, SCJOE’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) department became the largest in the state and a leader in the field. She also oversees the only regionally accredited institution of higher education within a county office, the Teacher’s College of San Joaquin, which provides a variety of options for those who wish to pursue a career in education and serve San Joaquin County communities.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and schools transitioned from in-person to virtual learning, Steinkamp spearheaded a team of experts to create the virtual LOCkER — Learning outside the Classroom Enrichment Resources — a webpage filled with resources for educators and mental health resources, videos and activities for all grade levels and subjects.

Steinkamp also led the SJCOE COVID-19 vaccine clinics, in which over 14 days, 300 volunteers worked to administer 25,822 doses of the vaccine to local educators and school employees at the county’s 14 school districts.

San Joaquin County Office of Education's Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Jane Steinkamp, right, is hugged by Annie Cunial, division director for STEM programs, after Steinkamp was surprised with the announcement that she was the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Award.
San Joaquin County Office of Education's Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Jane Steinkamp, right, is hugged by Annie Cunial, division director for STEM programs, after Steinkamp was surprised with the announcement that she was the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Award.

Tim Quinn, CEO of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, said surprising those who serve the community with well-deserved recognition is some of the most fun he has at the chamber all year. He said Steinkamp goes above and beyond her job at SJCOE.

“She does so many amazing things with the County Office of Education here,” Quinn said. “On top of that, she’s out in the community … she’s volunteering, mentoring other women and really just getting out there and putting her passion for making Stockton (a better place) and helping families and women. That’s really what she’s all about.”

The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is licensed with ATHENA International to honor two recipients with an ATHENA award each year. The second, the ATHENA young professional leadership award given to women 30-45 years old, will be announced the week of Sept. 12.

The official award ceremony for both recipients will be held at Stockton Golf & Country Club on Nov. 17.

Steinkamp and the ATHENA young professional leadership award recipient will join the likes of San Joaquin County ATHENA leaders, including last year’s recipients Anna Sass and Suzanne Schultz. The chamber has been selecting ATHENA awardees since 1986.

For tickets to the 2022 ATHENA awards, visit https://stocktonchamber.org/athena-awards/.

Record reporter Ben Irwin covers Stockton and San Joaquin County government. He can be reached at birwin@recordnet.com or on Twitter @B1rwin. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow. 

This article originally appeared on The Record: SJCOE's Jane Steinkamp to receive 2022 ATHENA award