Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Some think that smaller schools have teachers that lack credentials. In Craig County, nothing could be further from the truth.
Craig County Public Schools has been blessed in drawing in teachers who have a heart to not only teach, but to continue to learn themselves, while sharing that with their students.
Geoff Boyer teaches two high school programming classes.
“One is focused on Mobile App Development and basic computer science principles and the second is more advanced with complex programming languages to control physical devices,” Boyer said.
Recently, he was nominated for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
“This is the highest recognition that a K-12 grade science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States,” Superintendent Jeanette Warwick shared at the February School Board meeting. “Only up to 108 teachers are recognized each year.”
To put that into context, there are approximately 3.2 million teachers in the United States. At that same meeting, Boyer was presented with a certificate award and flowers.
Warwick and Principal Melissa Whiting nominated Boyer based on the programs and classes Boyer teaches. There will be Regional selections and then State finalists are chosen. As of press time, no dates are set in stone yet.
“Once nominated, the teacher must decide to apply by completing an application packet,” Warwick said. “Mr. Boyer has graciously accepted this nomination and is preparing his application.”
“I will be recording videos of lessons and submitting curriculum that I teach as well as examples of student work and the influences in the community,” he said. “My submissions are due by April 1.”
Continued Warwick, “If selected, Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States; a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. Congratulations, this is truly well deserved, and we appreciate your leadership here at CCHS.”
When Boyer was asked, “What would this mean for you to win this award and do you have any ideas of how you would spend the $10,000?”, he responded, “In my mind, it would really be an award for the community and schools as a whole.”
His thoughts are to give a portion to the school technology funds or possibly towards some scholarship awards for students going to college for tech-based majors.
Students seem to really enjoy Boyer’s classes. His teaching techniques bring out the curiosity in them, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s technology, the “in” thing for today’s teens.
Boyer added that for his students, “The community impact will be the problem-solving skills they can bring to the business field they choose and in everyday life.”
Fingers are crossed and hopes are high that Boyer receives this prestigious honor and award.
