During May 2023, TechStart presented our Technology Educator of the Year Awards and Student of the Year Awards to four highly deserving winners. The school of each educator receives $1,000 to spend on curriculum, programming, equipment, or professional development selected by each winner. Our student winner receives a $2,500 scholarship toward college tuition or related expenses.
Nick Krissie of Lincoln Middle School in Oakland, Oregon, is the Technology Educator of the Year for grades K-8.
Nick Krissie’s energy and enthusiasm for engaging middle school students in learning about many aspects of science, including technology. He sparks his students’ curiosity with real-world problems and empowers them to solve the problems using technology and science. Read more about Nick and the award in this News-Review article.
Cady Geer of Sunset High School in Beaverton, Oregon, is the Technology Educator of the Year for high school.
Cady Geer is tireless in helping Sunset High School students develop strong computer science and engineering skills. She strives to connect her students’ learning with real-world challenges, such as engineering parts for the high school’s HVAC system. She helps prepare students both for technical careers and for higher education.
Terry Alexander of Hillsboro High School is the Rising Star Technology Educator of the Year.
Terry Alexander makes technology learning accessible, relevant, and fun for the widest range of students, including women and students of color. A former software engineer for Intel, Terry also brings industry knowledge and experience to the classroom. You can read more about Terry and the award in this Hillsboro News Times article.
TechStart Student of the Year
Outstanding Century High School (Hillsboro, Oregon) junior Abiral Shakya is the TechStart Student of the Year.
Abiral is working hard both to develop his own computer science skills and support the advancement of his peers. He demonstrates a great commitment to learning about many aspects of technology and science. You can read more about Abiral and the award in this Hillsboro NewsTimes article. And a hat tip to Abiral’s terrific computer science teacher, Chris Winnikka.